News Focus
- Pierre Sage is set to leave RC Lens and become the new manager of Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
- Former FC Lorient coach Olivier Pantaloni has emerged as the favourite to take charge at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
- Lens are searching for their third new manager in consecutive summers.
- Yannick Cahuzac will join Lens as an assistant, potentially reuniting with Pantaloni.
- Other candidates include Patrick Videira and Alexandre Dujeux, but Sébastien Pocognoli’s wage demands are too high.
The departure of Pierre Sage from RC Lens has not received official confirmation, though an announcement appears imminent. Reports from L’Équipe and RMC Sport claim the Frenchman has already notified the Ligue 1 outfit of his intention to exit. This follows ongoing negotiations with English club Crystal Palace. Sources suggest he will replace Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park within days.
This development means Lens must recruit a new head coach for the third summer in a row. The club has started its search and is compiling a shortlist of potential successors. Olivier Pantaloni, who recently declined to renew his contract with FC Lorient, stands out as a prime option.
If appointed, Pantaloni would reunite with Yannick Cahuzac. The former Lorient midfielder will serve as an assistant at Lens this season. The club views Cahuzac as a future first-team manager, but he must first complete his coaching badges during the upcoming campaign.
Lens are also considering Patrick Videira from Le Mans. He enjoyed an impressive season, securing promotion to the top flight for the club. Alexandre Dujeux, who has left SCO Angers, has likewise attracted admiration. However, Sébastien Pocognoli, a target last summer, now seems impossible to secure. Despite his dismissal from AS Monaco, his salary expectations exceed the budget available at Lens.