Pierre Sage openly admitted that the opening Premier League defeat to Everton left him feeling frustrated with Crystal Palace's performance. When questioned about his enjoyment of his inaugural experience in the world’s most watched league, his immediate reply was, "we lost," underscoring how seriously he regards both the result and his overall role at the club. He elaborated to Sky Sports ahead of the Friday clash with Manchester City, saying, "I'm not at an attraction park, you could say that.
I'm here to win games; this is the job and I’m not happy with a loss." Sage continued, "I realised in this match that we have the ability to do things, but it’s painful when you know you can do it and you don’t deliver for the full 90 minutes. That's why I felt a bit frustrated – we performed well in the first half, and it’s abnormal that we dropped off in the second." He added that consistency is key: "We need to be more consistent, work harder, understand each other better, play fluidly and smoothly.
The only solution is to put in the work." The emphasis on winning is no surprise for a manager who delivered remarkable results with Lens last season. Under his guidance, Lens finished second in Ligue 1 behind PSG, out‑pacing traditional powerhouses such as Marseille and Lyon, thereby earning a Champions League berth.
The club also captured its first Coupe de France trophy under his stewardship. 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. Those similarities have already become evident in the games the Frenchman has overseen so far. "I think that’s why the club chose me – because he and I are aligned on many principles, even though we differ in some aspects at the moment," Sage explained.
"He has already won here, I haven’t yet, but the crucial point for me isn’t to copy him, it’s to stay consistent with the groundwork laid by the previous manager, but in my own way." When asked about moving from France, where he was leaving Champions League football for the Europa League, Sage responded confidently, "I told them I would be playing in the Champions League every weekend." This bold statement reflects his ambition to bring European‑level standards 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 prepared him best for the rigors of Premier League management. "As an assistant, I learned the training process and how to manage the players," he said.
"Every league operates similarly, but to truly understand the Premier League you have to watch countless games." Sage also highlighted the importance of communication across all departments of a club. "I like to stay in touch with every section because I consider everyone vital. Success is a collective effort, and when we lose, it’s the same.
Being connected helps me understand each role and how it contributes to the whole," he noted. He also reflected on his previous relationship with Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, who now stars for Manchester City, Crystal Palace’s upcoming opponents.
"I wish him the best, but not necessarily for this game. He’s a different player now, capable of feats that many can’t comprehend.
I love that he plays with childlike joy, bringing good vibes to the squad. Football can be overly serious, and players like him remind us of the fun side. However, when he faces my team, I ask him to keep quiet," Sage joked.
Looking ahead to Friday Night Football, Sage acknowledged the challenge of hosting Manchester City – his first Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park. "Everyone tells me the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is incredible, unlike any other ground, and I’m excited to experience it," he said. "But the primary focus remains the football and the result. If we can make the fans happy by the final whistle, that will be a great satisfaction." He admitted the difficulty of the task, noting Manchester City’s wealth of talent.
"When a new manager arrives, there’s an initial surge of energy because the starting line‑up isn’t set in stone. That’s why it’s essential we perform at our highest level for this match," Sage emphasized.
In summary, Sage’s message to his players and supporters is clear: consistency, hard work, and a collective mindset are the pillars that will drive Crystal Palace forward. He aims to instill a winning mentality that matches his past successes, while also fostering an environment where every staff member feels valued.
As the club prepares to face one of England’s most formidable sides, the French manager’s determination to turn frustration into motivation could prove decisive. Fans can tune in to watch Crystal Palace versus Manchester City live on Sky Sports at 8 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday Night Football. The match also offers a chance to enter the Super 6 competition for a shot at a £1 million prize, with free entry available.