Pierre Sage (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Pierre Sage is closing in on a move to Crystal Palace after guiding Lens to a stunning season in France and winning the first major trophy of his coaching career.
Pierre Sage looks ready for the biggest challenge of his coaching career.
The highly-rated French coach is moving closer to the Premier League, with reports indicating that he already has an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace.
The London club is searching for a replacement after the departure of Oliver Glasner, whose era brought unprecedented success.
Glasner leaves after delivering the Conference League trophy and one of the greatest periods in Palace history.
Now attention has turned toward one of French football's fastest-rising coaches.
Sage impressed massively with Lens.
He guided the club to an outstanding second-place finish in Ligue 1, secured qualification for the Champions League, and added silverware.
Pierre Sage achievements at Lens:
• Ligue 1 runners-up finish
• Champions League qualification
• Won first coaching trophy
• Delivered Lens' first cup triumph
• Ended the club's long wait for major silverware
The cup success carried special meaning.
It was Lens' first trophy since winning Ligue 2 in 2009 and their first major cup success in modern history.
According to reports from France, Sage already informed club president Joseph Oughourlian and sporting director Jean-Louis Leca about his intentions.
Lens appear prepared.
The club has already started reviewing replacement candidates while discussions continue regarding compensation, because Sage still has one year remaining on his contract.
The 46-year-old's reputation was already growing before Lens.
His previous spell at Lyon earned widespread praise and many supporters were disappointed when the club moved in another direction.
Why Palace want Sage:
• Proven ability to outperform expectations
• Strong player development record
• Experience with pressure situations
• Modern tactical approach
• Success with limited budgets
The Premier League jump remains difficult for any coach.
But after transforming Lens into one of France's strongest teams, Sage now appears ready for English football.