Pierre Sage openly admitted that he was irritated by Crystal Palace’s loss to Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League. When asked whether he was enjoying his first taste of England’s top flight, his initial answer was blunt: "we lost," underscoring how seriously he takes both the result and the broader responsibilities of his role.
"I'm not at an attraction park, you could say that," Sage told Sky Sports before the upcoming clash with Manchester City. "I'm here to win games; this is my job and I’m not pleased with a defeat." He went on to explain that the performance showed the squad’s potential, but also highlighted a lack of consistency. "We proved we can do things, yet it’s frustrating when you know you have the ability and you don’t deliver for the full 90 minutes," he said. "We played well in the first half, but the second half was far from normal." Sage emphasized the need for steadier displays: "We must become more consistent, work harder, understand each other better, and play with fluidity.
The only solution is to put in the work." The focus on winning is no surprise for a manager who achieved remarkable feats with Lens last season. Under his guidance Lens finished second in Ligue 1 behind PSG, ahead of traditional powerhouses Marseille and Lyon, earning a Champions League spot, and they also captured their first Coupe de France trophy. His appointment at Selhurst Park mirrors the path of Oliver Glasner, whose principles seem to align with Sage’s.
Sage himself noted the similarity: "I think the club chose me because my philosophy matches Glasner’s in many ways, even though we are different at the moment. He has already won here, I have not yet, but the key for me is not to mimic him but to stay true to my own approach while respecting the groundwork laid by my predecessor." When asked about leaving France, Sage recalled critics who said he was swapping Champions League football for the Europa League. He retorted, "I’ll be playing in the Champions League every weekend," a statement that reflects his confidence and ambition. Sage’s career has been varied – from technical director to academy coach – but it was his time as an assistant that he believes prepared him best for a Premier League job.
"As an assistant I learned the training process and how to manage the players," he explained. "Understanding the Premier League also required watching countless matches." He also stressed the importance of communication across all club departments: "Every part of the club matters. Success is collective, and failure is shared. Staying connected with every staff member helps me understand their role and how it contributes to the team’s overall performance." One of Sage’s former protégés, Rayan Cherki, now plays for Manchester City, the very side Palace will face.
Sage offered a nuanced view of his former striker: "I wish him well, but not necessarily for this game. He’s a unique talent, playing with a child‑like joy that brings positive energy to the squad.
Football can be overly serious, and his exuberance is refreshing. However, when he faces us, I expect him to be quiet and focused." The upcoming Friday Night Football fixture will be Sage’s first Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park. He praised the atmosphere: "Everyone tells me the vibe at Selhurst is incredible and distinct from other grounds, and I’m excited to experience it." Nevertheless, his priority remains clear: "The most important thing is the quality of play and the result.
If we can make the fans happy at the final whistle, that will be a great satisfaction." He acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Manchester City have a wealth of talent. With a new manager, there is an initial burst of energy because the starting XI isn’t set in stone. That’s why we must be at our highest level from the first minute." Sage’s comments reveal a manager who combines high expectations with a pragmatic understanding of his squad’s current limitations.
He knows that consistency, hard work, and clear communication will be essential to bridge the gap between potential and performance. As Palace prepares to host a formidable City side, Sage’s philosophy will be tested – not only in tactics but in his ability to instill belief and resilience in his players. If the Eagles can translate the first‑half promise into a full‑time performance, they could surprise a City team that often dominates possession and creates chances at will.
Sage’s emphasis on fluency and smoothness suggests he wants his side to play with confidence, moving the ball quickly and exploiting any spaces left by City’s high‑line defence. Moreover, his reference to working with all departments hints at a holistic approach that could see improvements in areas such as sports science, analytics, and youth integration – components that have become increasingly vital in modern Premier League clubs. In summary, Sage arrives at Crystal Palace with a clear mandate: stop treating matches as entertainment and treat them as competitions to be won. His past successes, combined with a willingness to adapt and a focus on collective effort, set the stage for an intriguing season.
Whether his philosophy will bear fruit against a powerhouse like Manchester City remains to be seen, but his determination to deliver results is unmistakable.