Pierre Sage openly admitted that he was irritated by Crystal Palace’s loss to Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League. When journalists asked whether he was enjoying his inaugural experience in what is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious league, his immediate answer was simply, "We lost." That response underscored how seriously he is taking both the result and the broader responsibilities of his role. Speaking to Sky Sports before the Friday 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 about losing this match." He went on to explain that the defeat highlighted a gap between the team’s potential and its execution over the full 90 minutes. "I realised in this game that we have the ability to do things, but it’s frustrating when you know you can do them and you don’t deliver for the whole duration," Sage said.
"We performed well in the first half, but the second half was far from normal for us." He stressed the need for greater consistency, adding, "We have to work a lot, understand each other better, be fluent and smooth in our play. The only solution is hard work and cohesion." Sage’s emphasis on winning is unsurprising given his recent achievements with Lens, where he guided the French side to a remarkable second‑place finish in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint‑Germain, outpacing traditional powerhouses such as Marseille and Lyon and securing a Champions League berth.
Lens also captured their first Coupe de France trophy under his stewardship, cementing his reputation as a manager capable of delivering tangible success. The parallels between Sage and Oliver Glasner were a key factor in his appointment at Crystal Palace on a three‑year contract.
Sage himself noted the similarity in philosophy, stating, "I think the club chose me because Glasner and I share many principles, even though we are different in some respects at the moment." He acknowledged that while Glasner has already won trophies at Selhurst Park, Sage’s priority is to align with the club’s long‑term vision and build his own legacy. "When I left France, people said I was moving from Champions League football to the Europa League.
I told them I would be playing Champions League football every weekend," he remarked, hinting at his ambition to return the club to Europe’s elite competition. Sage’s career path has been eclectic, ranging from technical director roles to academy coaching, but it was his time as an assistant that he believes prepared him most for the pressures of Premier League management.
"As an assistant I learned the training process and how to manage the players," he explained. "Understanding the Premier League also required watching a huge amount of games to grasp the nuances of the competition." He highlighted the importance of collaboration across all departments within a club, saying, "Everyone in a club matters. Success is a collective effort, and when we lose, it’s also shared.
That’s why staying connected to all areas and understanding each person’s job is vital." This holistic approach reflects his belief that a football club functions as an ecosystem where each part must operate in harmony to achieve results. Sage also reflected on his past relationship with former Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, who now plays for Manchester City, Crystal Palace’s upcoming opponents. "I wish him the best, but not necessarily for this game," Sage laughed.
"He’s a different kind of player—he does things that people can’t understand and plays with the joy of a child. He brings good vibes to the pitch. Sometimes football can be too serious, and I love seeing that kind of exuberance.
However, when he faces my team, I ask him to keep quiet on the field." Looking ahead to Friday Night Football, Sage acknowledged the challenge of facing a City side brimming with talent. "Everyone tells me the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is incredible, unlike any other stadium," he said. "But the most important thing is the play 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 of the quality in their squad.
When a new manager arrives, there’s a lot of initial energy because the starting XI 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 where fans can enjoy a ride; it is a competitive arena where the objective is victory.
His frustration after the Everton loss stems from a belief that the team can perform at a higher level consistently throughout a match. By drawing on his experience at Lens, his admiration for the collaborative nature of club football, and his personal insights into player personalities, Sage aims to instill a culture of hard work, consistency, and ambition at Selhurst Park.
The upcoming match against Manchester City will be his first Premier League test as Palace’s head coach, and he hopes to deliver a performance that satisfies both the supporters and his own high standards.