Crystal Palace are understood to be in advanced discussions with Lens manager Pierre Sage regarding the vacant head coach position at Selhurst Park. The Frenchman has emerged as the Eagles' primary target following a shift in their managerial search, which has seen previous candidates fall by the wayside.
Sage's stock has risen considerably after guiding Lens to an impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1 during the recently concluded season. His tactical acumen and ability to develop talent are believed to have caught the attention of the Palace hierarchy, who are keen to appoint a manager capable of building on Oliver Glasner's tenure.
Initially, former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was understood to be Crystal Palace's preferred option. However, reports suggest that Iraola has since entered into talks with Liverpool, effectively taking him out of contention for the Palace role. This development prompted the London club to broaden their search and re-evaluate their targets.
Another name linked with the Selhurst Park hot seat was Frank Lampard, the former Chelsea and Everton manager. While Lampard was reportedly considered, Crystal Palace were reportedly put off by the significant compensation fee that would have been required to secure his services. This financial hurdle led them to explore other, more financially viable, options.
The search for a new head coach comes at a crucial time for Crystal Palace, as they aim to solidify their Premier League status and potentially push for European qualification in the coming seasons. The appointment of Sage, known for his attacking philosophy and ability to maximise resources, could signal a new direction for the club as they prepare for the next campaign.
Should Sage be appointed, it would mark his first foray into English football management, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity to make a significant impact in the Premier League. His success in France, particularly in guiding Lens to such a high league position, suggests he possesses the qualities needed to thrive in a competitive environment.
Source: The Guardian