News Focus
- Pierre Sage confirms he will leave RC Lens after just one season in charge
- The French coach won the Coupe de France and finished close to PSG in Ligue 1
- Relations between Sage and the club are described as “beyond repair”
- Crystal Palace want him to replace Oliver Glasner in the Premier League
- The Eagles are prepared to massively increase his salary to secure the move
Pierre Sage has announced his decision to quit RC Lens following a successful single season at the helm. The former Lyon boss took over from Will Still twelve months ago and guided Les Sang et Or to their first-ever Coupe de France triumph. He also pushed Paris Saint-Germain hard in the domestic title race.
Under Sage’s guidance, the northern French club achieved impressive results. The 47-year-old recorded 28 victories, four draws and eight defeats across 40 matches in all competitions. However, the prospect of competing in next season’s Champions League whilst maintaining domestic form proved challenging.
Sources close to the club suggest the working relationship between Sage and the board has broken down completely. When the coach informed executives on Tuesday of his intention to depart, the news did not shock them. He had previously told French media that other European clubs were tracking him, despite having a contract until 2028.
These public comments reportedly angered senior figures at Lens. The situation grew worse when the club appointed Yannick Cahuzac from Lorient as an assistant, creating friction within the backroom staff. Sage had hoped to stay for another campaign, but the club decided to part ways with a manager whose focus had clearly shifted elsewhere.
Crystal Palace have now emerged as the frontrunners for his signature. The London club view Sage as the ideal candidate to succeed Oliver Glasner in the dugout. They are willing to pay three or four times his current Lens salary to bring him to Selhurst Park. Formal discussions between the two clubs regarding compensation are expected to begin soon.