'It's amazing to be here' - Crystal Palace appoint Pierre Sage as head coach

The 47-year-old has signed a deal until the summer of 2029 and arrives at Selhurst Park following an impressive spell in France. Sage was identified as Palace's leading candidate after Andoni Iraola, who had been high on the club's shortlist, accepted the head coach role at Liverpool.

Palace were searching for a new manager after Oliver Glasner decided not to extend his stay in south London. Glasner leaves after overseeing one of the most successful periods in the club's history, guiding the Eagles to FA Cup glory and victory in the Conference League final in May.

Sage expressed his excitement after being unveiled by Palace and said he was eager to build on the foundations left by his predecessor.

"It's amazing to be here at Crystal Palace," Sage told the club's official website. "I am excited by the history of the club and by recent seasons. Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same. That's why we come here with a lot of ambition."

The French coach highlighted the positive atmosphere around the club and stressed his desire to continue a winning culture.

"The dynamic here is really positive," he said. "We won last year and we want to continue in this way. We want to give our best every day for the team, the club, the people and especially the fans."

Sage also sent a clear message to supporters, adding: "We want to make the fans smile, to be proud of the team and to be proud of the club. We will give our best for you, and we are together."

Palace chairman Steve Parish welcomed the appointment and backed Sage to continue the club's recent progress.

"I am tremendously excited to welcome Pierre," Parish said. "He joins us off the back of a trophy-winning season at Lens as well as a fabulous second-place finish in Ligue 1.

"As we move into another European campaign, I know he will give everything to target more success for our football club."

Before his move was confirmed, Sage posted an emotional farewell to Lens supporters. He guided the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, ending six points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

"Thank you for all those moments when we united our courage and strength to proudly carry the colours of this magnificent club," Sage wrote. "Farewell, you will remain forever in my mind and in my heart."