Pierre Sage openly admitted that the opening Premier League loss to Everton left him feeling frustrated and eager for improvement. When questioned about his initial impression of England’s most watched football competition, his immediate answer was a stark "we lost," underscoring how seriously he regards both the result and his broader responsibilities as manager. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Crystal Palace’s upcoming clash with Manchester City, Sage elaborated, "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 painful when you know you’re capable and you don’t deliver for the full ninety minutes. That’s why I felt a bit annoyed – we performed well in the first half, yet the second half was far from normal for us." Sage emphasized the need for consistency, stating, "We must be more consistent, work harder, understand each other better, and play with fluidity and smoothness. The only solution is to put in the work." His focus on winning aligns with the record he built at Lens, where he guided the club to a remarkable second‑place finish in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint‑Germain, out‑pacing traditional powerhouses such as Marseille and Lyon and earning a Champions League berth.
In the same season, Lens captured their inaugural Coupe de France trophy, cementing Sage’s reputation as a manager capable of delivering tangible success. The parallels between Sage and Oliver Glasner, the former manager of Crystal Palace, were a key factor in his three‑year appointment. Sage noted, "I think the club chose me because my principles align closely with Oliver’s, even though we differ in some aspects at the moment. He has already won titles, and I haven’t yet achieved that here, but my priority isn’t to mirror his achievements.
It’s to build a consistent approach that respects what the previous manager established, while adding my own touch." When asked about moving from French football, where he had been linked with Champions League action, to a club that was then playing in the Europa League, Sage replied confidently, "People said I was leaving Champions League football for the Europa League, but I told them I would be competing in the Champions League every weekend now." This statement reflects his ambition to elevate Crystal Palace to the highest levels of European competition. Sage’s career path has been diverse, ranging from technical director roles to academy coaching positions.
However, he believes his tenure as an assistant coach was the most formative for his current Premier League responsibilities. "As an assistant, I learned the training process inside out and how to manage the players day‑to‑day," he explained. "Understanding the Premier League, or any top league, comes from watching countless games and absorbing different tactical ideas." He also highlighted the importance of communication across all club departments.
"Every department matters. Success is a collective effort, and when we lose, it’s shared as well. Staying connected to everyone and appreciating their work is essential for a unified club culture," Sage said.
Sage also reflected on his time coaching Rayan Cherki at Lyon. Cherki, now a Manchester City player, was praised by Sage: "I wish him the best, but not necessarily for this match. He’s a unique talent, capable of feats that many can’t comprehend. He plays with childlike joy, brings positive energy, and reminds us that football can be fun.
When he faces my team, though, I ask him to keep quiet and focus on the game." Looking ahead to Friday Night Football, when Crystal Palace host Manchester City, Sage acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge. "Everyone tells me the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is incredible and distinct from other grounds, and I’m excited to experience it," he said. "Ultimately, the most important thing is the quality of our play and the result. If we can make the fans happy, that will be a great satisfaction." He added, "It will be a tough contest because City possess a wealth of talent.
With a new manager, there’s always an initial burst of energy as the lineup settles. That’s why we must be at our highest level from the first whistle." Beyond the tactical battle, Sage’s comments reveal his broader philosophy: a blend of ambition, meticulous preparation, and a desire to foster a joyful, inclusive environment for players and supporters alike. As Crystal Palace prepares to face one of the Premier League’s elite, the Frenchman’s determination to turn frustration into forward momentum will be tested, and his words suggest he is ready to lead his side with both intensity and optimism. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, kicking off at 8 p.m., with pre‑match coverage beginning at 7 p.m.
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