By his own admission, Pierre Sage was clearly irritated by Crystal Palace's opening‑week loss to Everton in the Premier League. When questioned about his feelings after his inaugural experience in what is arguably the world’s most prestigious football league, his immediate answer was blunt: "We lost." That response underscored how seriously he takes both the result and the broader responsibilities of his role. Sage elaborated to Sky Sports ahead of the upcoming clash with Manchester City, saying, "I'm not at an amusement park, you could say that. I'm here to win games; this is my job and I’m not happy with a defeat." He continued, "I realised in that match that we have the ability to do things, but it’s frustrating when you know you can achieve something and you fail to sustain it throughout the 90 minutes." He admitted his frustration stemmed from a strong first half that quickly gave way to a disappointing second half.
"We performed well in the opening period, and it’s abnormal for us to drop off like that after the break. Consistency is essential.
We must work harder, improve our collective understanding, become smoother in our play, and the only way to achieve that is through relentless effort," Sage said. The emphasis on winning is hardly surprising for a manager who accomplished remarkable feats with Lens last season. Under his guidance, Lens finished second in Ligue 1, trailing only PSG and outpacing traditional powerhouses such as Marseille and Lyon, thereby securing a Champions League berth.
The club also captured its first Coupe de France trophy during his tenure. Sage’s appointment at Crystal Palace on a three‑year contract mirrors the striking parallels he shares with Oliver Glasner, the former manager of the club.
Sage noted, "I think that’s why the club chose me – because my principles align closely with Glasner’s, even though we’re different in many ways at the moment. He has already won here, I haven’t yet, but the key for me is not to merely replicate his path but to build my own consistency while respecting the foundation he laid." When asked about leaving France and moving from a Champions League‑contending side to a team that had just qualified for the Europa League, Sage replied confidently, "I told them I would be playing Champions League football every weekend," reflecting his ambition to bring that level of competition back to Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace represents another chapter in Sage’s eclectic career, which has seen him serve as a technical director, academy coach, and, most importantly, an assistant manager.
He believes his time as an assistant was pivotal in preparing him for the pressures of Premier League management. "As an assistant, I learned the intricacies of training sessions and, more importantly, how to manage the players on a daily basis," he explained. "The Premier League is unique, but the fundamentals of understanding the game, watching countless matches, and staying in touch with every department of the club are universal. Success is a collective effort; when we win, everyone shares the glory, and when we lose, everyone feels the disappointment." Sage also reflected on his past relationship with former Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, who now plays for Manchester City, the very opponents Palace will face.
"I wish him the best, but not necessarily for this match. He’s a different kind of player – he does things that are hard to comprehend and plays with the joy of a child.
He brings positive energy to the squad, and I love that because football can become overly serious. However, when he plays against us, I ask him to keep quiet," Sage joked, highlighting his respect for the player’s talent while maintaining a competitive edge. Looking ahead to Friday Night Football, Sage acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead.
"Everyone tells me the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is incredible and unlike any other stadium. I’m excited to experience it," he said.
"But ultimately, it’s about the performance on the pitch and the result. If we can make the fans happy at the final whistle, that will be a great satisfaction." He added, "It will be a tough game because Manchester City possess a wealth of talent. When a new manager arrives, there’s an initial surge of energy because the starting lineup isn’t set in stone yet. That’s why it’s crucial for us to be at our highest level from the first whistle." Sage’s philosophy centres on consistency, hard work, and a holistic approach to club management.
He stresses the importance of fluid, smooth football, stating, "We must be fluent in our play, adaptable to different phases of the game, and always ready to improve. The only way to achieve that is through constant training, clear communication, and a shared belief among players, staff, and supporters." The upcoming match against Manchester City will be Sage’s first Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park, and it will serve as a litmus test for his ideas and the squad’s ability to adapt to his methods. The Frenchman is aware that the fans expect excitement and results, and he is determined to deliver both. "If we can combine entertaining football with a positive outcome, we’ll have given the supporters exactly what they deserve," he concluded.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm on Friday, with live coverage on Sky Sports starting at 7 pm. Fans can also look forward to highlights and the chance to win prizes through the Super 6 competition, offering a £1 million jackpot for lucky participants.