Pierre Sage openly admitted that he was left feeling irritated after Crystal Palace’s opening‑week defeat to Everton in the Premier League. When questioned about his enjoyment of his inaugural experience in what many consider the world’s most prestigious league, his immediate reply 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 my job, and I’m not pleased with a loss." He went on to explain that the performance in the first half showed the squad’s potential, but the second half fell short of that standard. "We know we are capable of doing things, and it’s frustrating when we don’t sustain that level for the full 90 minutes," he said.
"That’s why I felt a bit irritated – we played well in the first half, and it’s abnormal for us to drop off in the second." Sage stressed the need for consistency, hard work, and a smoother, more fluid style of play. "We have to be more consistent, train harder, understand each other better, and be fluent in our movements on the pitch. The only solution is to keep working," he added.
His focus on winning is hardly surprising given his recent achievements with Lens. Last season the French side finished runners‑up in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint‑Germain, outpacing traditional powerhouses such as Marseille and Lyon, and secured a Champions League berth. They also captured their first Coupe de France trophy, a testament to Sage’s ability to deliver results. The parallels between Sage and Oliver Glasner, the former manager of Brighton, played a role in his appointment at Selhurst Park on a three‑year contract.
Sage noted, "I think the club chose me because my principles align with Oliver’s, even though we differ in execution at the moment. He has already won here, I haven’t yet, but the crucial factor for me is not merely mirroring his record but building on the foundation he left, in my own way." When asked about moving from a Champions League environment in France to what some critics called a step down to the Europa League, Sage responded confidently: "I told them I would be playing Champions League football every weekend," reflecting his ambition to bring that level of competition to Crystal Palace.
Sage’s career path has been varied, ranging from technical director roles to academy coaching positions. However, he believes his time as an assistant coach was the most formative period for becoming a Premier League manager. "As an assistant, I learned the intricacies of training sessions and, more importantly, how to manage the players," he explained. "Understanding the Premier League, or any league for that matter, required watching countless matches and absorbing different tactical approaches." He also highlighted the importance of communication across all club departments.
"Every sector of a football club matters. Success is a collective effort, and defeat is shared as well. Maintaining strong connections with everyone, from scouting to medical staff, ensures we all understand each other's roles and can work together effectively," Sage said.
Sage previously coached Rayan Cherki at Lyon, and the forward now lines up for Manchester City, one of Palace’s upcoming opponents. Speaking about his former protégé, Sage said, "I wish him the best, though not necessarily for this particular game. He’s a unique talent, someone who plays with childlike joy and brings positive energy to the squad.
Football can become overly serious, and I appreciate players who remind us of the fun side of the sport. Yet, when they face my team, I expect them to keep their composure." Looking ahead to Friday Night Football, Sage emphasized that the match against City will require a collective effort.
"Everyone has told me the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is extraordinary, different from other grounds, and I’m eager to experience it," he remarked. "Ultimately, the key is our performance and the result.
If we can make the fans happy by the final whistle, that will be a great reward." He acknowledged the challenge posed by City’s talent pool, noting that a new manager often brings an initial surge of energy as line‑ups are still being settled. "There’s a lot of skill in their squad, and with a fresh manager, there’s an extra spark at the start because we’re still figuring out our best eleven. That’s why we must be at our highest level for this encounter," Sage concluded.
Fans can tune in to watch Crystal Palace versus Manchester City on Friday Night Football, with live coverage beginning at 7 p.m. on Sky Sports and kickoff at 8 p.m.
The match promises a test of Sage’s tactical acumen and his ability to translate his success in France to the demanding environment of the English Premier League.