Pierre Sage openly admitted that he was irritated by Crystal Palace’s loss to Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League. When asked whether he enjoyed his inaugural experience in what many consider the world’s most prestigious league, his immediate reply was "we lost," underscoring how seriously he takes both the result and his overall role.
"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 the job, and I’m not happy about losing this one." He went on to explain that the performance in the first half showed the squad’s capabilities, but the second half fell short of that standard. "It’s frustrating when you know you can do something and you don’t execute it for the full ninety minutes," he said.
"That’s why we need more consistency, more work, better understanding among us, smoother play – the only solution is hard work." The emphasis on victory is hardly surprising for a manager who delivered remarkable results with Lens last season. Under his guidance, Lens finished second in Ligue 1 behind PSG, ahead of traditional powerhouses Marseille and Lyon, thereby securing a Champions League berth. The club also captured its first Coupe de France trophy, a testament to Sage’s winning mentality. Sage’s appointment at Crystal Palace on a three‑year contract mirrors the profile of Oliver Glasner, a similarity that the club reportedly valued.
Sage himself noted the alignment of principles with Glasner, while also highlighting his own distinct approach. "I think the club chose me because we share many core ideas, but we are different in execution," he explained. "Glasner has already won here; I haven’t yet, but my priority isn’t to replicate his record.
It’s to build consistency in my own way." When he left France, critics suggested he was stepping down from Champions League football to the Europa League. Sage countered, "I’ll be playing in the Champions League every weekend," a bold declaration of his ambitions for Palace in European competition. His career path has been varied – from technical director to academy coach – but it was his time as an assistant that he believes prepared him most for the Premier League.
"As an assistant I learned the training process and how to manage the players," he said. "Understanding the Premier League, like any league, required watching countless matches. I also value contact with every department in a club because success is a collective effort; when we lose, the blame is shared as well." Sage also reflected on his former Lyon protégé, Rayan Cherki, who now plays for Manchester City, Palace’s upcoming opponents.
"I wish him well, but not for this game," Sage joked. "He’s a different player – he does things that are hard to understand, plays with childlike joy, and brings good vibes. Football can be too serious; I love that kind of spirit, but when he faces us, I ask him to be quiet." The upcoming Friday Night Football fixture against City will be Sage’s first Premier League match at Selhurst Park. He praised the atmosphere, describing it as "incredible" and distinct from other venues.
"The most important thing is the play and the result. If we can make the fans happy at the end, that will be satisfying," he said. Acknowledging City’s talent, Sage warned that the game would be tough.
"When a new manager arrives there’s a lot of energy because you don’t know exactly who will start. That’s why we must be at our best for this encounter." Sage’s comments reveal a manager who blends ambition with a pragmatic understanding of consistency, preparation, and club culture. He stresses the need for smooth, fluent football, continuous work ethic, and unity across all club departments. By drawing on his successful stint at Lens, his experience as an assistant, and his personal coaching philosophy, Sage aims to transform Crystal Palace from a club battling early setbacks into a side capable of challenging Europe’s elite.
Fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports, with kickoff at 8 pm, and enjoy the drama of a Premier League showdown that could set the tone for Sage’s tenure at Selhurst Park. The manager’s determination to turn frustration into focused effort signals that Palace supporters may soon witness a more disciplined, winning side under his guidance.