Pierre Sage openly admitted that he was disappointed after Crystal Palace’s opening‑week loss to Everton in the Premier League. When asked whether he was enjoying his inaugural experience in what many consider the world’s most prestigious league, his first answer was blunt: “We lost.” That response underscored how seriously he is taking both the immediate result and his broader responsibilities as manager. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Friday clash with Manchester City, Sage clarified his mindset: “I’m not at an amusement park, you could say that. I’m here to win games.
This is the job, and I’m not happy to lose.” 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 during 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 match,” he said. “We performed well in the first half, yet the second half was far from normal for us.” Sage emphasized the need for consistency, hard work, and a smoother, more fluid style of play.
“We must be more consistent, we have to work a lot, we need to understand each other better, and we must be fluent and smooth in our play. The only thing to do is to put in the work,” he added. The focus on victory is no surprise for a coach who achieved remarkable feats with Lens last season. Under his guidance, Lens finished second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint‑Germain, 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, cementing Sage’s reputation as a winner. Sage’s appointment at Selhurst Park mirrors the trajectory of Oliver Glasner, a similarity that reportedly influenced the club’s decision to offer him a three‑year contract. “I think that’s why the club chose me – because we share many principles, even though we are different at the moment,” Sage explained.
“He has already won here, I haven’t yet, but the most important thing for me is not to simply follow him, but to stay consistent with the previous manager in my own way.” When asked about the perception that he had left Champions League football in France for a Europa League‑type role, Sage replied confidently: “I told them I would be playing Champions League football every weekend.” He sees Crystal Palace as the next logical step in a varied career that has spanned roles from technical director to academy coach. Yet it was his time as an assistant that he believes best prepared him for the pressures of Premier League management. "As an assistant, I learned the training process, but I also learned how to manage the players," he said.
"Every country has its own nuances, but to understand the Premier League you have to watch a lot of games. I like to stay in contact with all departments because everyone is important. Success is collective, and when we lose, the blame is shared.
That’s why staying connected and understanding each role is vital." Sage also reflected on his former Lyon protégé, Rayan Cherki, who now lines up for Manchester City. "I wish him the best, but not necessarily for this game," Sage joked.
"He’s a different player now – he does things that are hard to understand, and I like him because he plays with the joy of a child. He brings good vibes to the squad. Sometimes football gets too serious, and I enjoy that light‑heartedness, but when he faces my team, I ask him to keep quiet." Looking ahead to Friday Night Football, Sage knows the challenge will be a true team effort. "Everyone has told me the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is incredible, very different from other clubs, and I’m excited to experience it," he said.
"But the most important thing is the play and the result. If we can make the fans happy at the end, that will be a great satisfaction." He acknowledged the quality of the opposition: "It will be a difficult game because there’s a lot of talent in their squad. When you have a new manager, there’s a lot of energy at the start because you don’t really know who will start. That’s why it’s important to be at our best level for this game." Sage’s comments reveal a manager who combines a pragmatic, work‑ethic‑driven approach with an appreciation for the emotional side of football.
He wants his players to understand the tactical nuances, to be consistent, and to enjoy the game without losing focus. By stressing communication across all club departments, he signals a holistic vision where success is built on collective responsibility rather than isolated brilliance.
The upcoming match against Manchester City will be Sage’s first Premier League test at Selhurst Park, and it will serve as a litmus test for his ideas about consistency, fluency, and collective effort. If his team can translate the intensity of the first half into a full‑90‑minute performance, they may begin to close the gap between potential and results that Sage so passionately described. The fans, the board, and the manager himself will all be watching closely to see whether this “not an amusement park” mentality can turn Crystal Palace into a regular contender in England’s top flight.
Watch Crystal Palace versus Manchester City live on Sky Sports at 8 pm, with kickoff scheduled for 7 pm on Friday Night Football.