Pierre Sage openly admitted that he was irritated by Crystal Palace’s loss to Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League. When questioned about his enjoyment of his first taste of England’s top‑flight league, his immediate answer was simply, "we lost," underscoring how seriously he is taking both the result and his broader responsibilities as manager. "I’m not at an amusement park, you could say that," Sage told Sky Sports ahead of Friday’s clash with Manchester City.
"I’m here to win games. This is the job, and I’m not pleased with a defeat." He went on to explain that the performance showed both promise and frustration. "From this match I realised we have the capacity to do things, but it’s painful when you know you’re capable and you don’t deliver for the full ninety minutes," he said. "That’s why I felt a bit annoyed – we were solid in the first half, yet the second half was far from normal." Sage stressed the need for consistency: "We must be more consistent, work harder, understand each other better, play fluidly and smoothly.
The only solution is to put in the work." His emphasis on winning is no surprise given his recent achievements with Lens. Last season the French club finished second in Ligue 1, just behind PSG and ahead of heavyweights Marseille and Lyon, thereby earning a Champions League berth. They also captured their inaugural Coupe de France trophy, a testament to Sage’s ability to guide a side to success.
The parallels between Sage and Oliver Glasner were a key factor in his three‑year appointment at Selhurst Park. Sage himself noted the similarity in philosophy: "I think the club chose me because my principles align with Glasner’s, even though we are different at the moment. He has already won here, I haven’t yet, but the crucial point for me is not to mimic him but to build on what the previous manager established, in my own way." When critics pointed out that he was moving from Champions League football in France to the Europa League with Palace, Sage retorted, "I’ll be playing in the Champions League every weekend," a confident claim that reflects his ambition to return the club to Europe’s elite competition. Sage’s career path has been eclectic, ranging from technical director to academy coach, but it was his stint as an assistant that he believes best prepared him for a Premier League head‑coaching role.
"As an assistant I learned the training process and how to manage the squad," he explained. "The Premier League is unique, but the fundamentals are the same everywhere. I watched countless games to understand the league’s nuances." He also highlighted the importance of communication across the club’s departments.
"Every department matters. Success is a collective effort, and defeat is shared as well. Staying connected with everyone helps me appreciate each role and how it contributes to the overall picture," Sage said. Sage previously coached Rayan Cherki at Lyon, and the forward now lines up for Manchester City, Palace’s upcoming opponent.
Reflecting on his former player, Sage remarked, "I wish him the best, though not necessarily for this match. He’s a different kind of player – capable of feats that many can’t comprehend. He plays with childlike joy, bringing good vibes to the team.
Football can be too serious, and I love seeing that exuberance, but when he faces us I ask him to keep quiet." The forthcoming Friday Night Football fixture will be Sage’s first Premier League game at Selhurst Park. He praised the atmosphere: "Everyone tells me the vibe at Selhurst is incredible, unlike any other ground, and I’m excited to experience it." Nevertheless, his focus remains on performance and results.
"If we can make the fans happy with a good result, that will be a satisfying reward. It will be a tough test because Manchester City have abundant talent.
With a new manager there’s always an initial surge of energy because the starting line‑up isn’t set in stone. That’s why we must be at our best for this encounter." In summary, Sage’s message is clear: Crystal Palace is not a theme park; it is a competitive football club where every match is an opportunity to prove progress. He acknowledges the early setbacks, stresses the need for consistency, and draws on his successful tenure in France to inspire his squad. By fostering unity across all club sectors, emphasizing rigorous preparation, and demanding a winning mentality, Sage aims to transform Palace into a side capable of challenging the Premier League’s elite and eventually returning to European competition.
The upcoming clash with Manchester City will be a crucial benchmark for his philosophy and the team’s development, offering both fans and the manager a chance to gauge how far they have come and what still needs to be achieved.