Crystal Palace’s hopes of hiring Pierre Sage have been handed a major boost as he’s decided to leave Lens.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that the highly rated French manager has made the choice to leave Lens this summer. That’s opened the door for Crystal Palace and other suitors.
Lens departure confirmed
According to Hawkins, Pierre Sage announced to Lens’ leaders that he intends to leave the French club this summer.
Discussions are now underway with Crystal Palace, who are hunting for Oliver Glasner’s replacement. The Eagles, though, are not the only club interested in the 47-year-old.
Onze Mondial, meanwhile, report that the French manager has already reached an agreement to become Crystal Palace’s new manager. They also report that he has decided to leave Lens and announced it to the club.
According to their information, Sage informed Lens of his decision on Tuesday. Lens are already working on a replacement, having anticipated his departure this summer.
Foot Mercato report that Lens simply don’t have the ‘weapons’ to fight off interest from the Premier League. Sage has also been linked with the Liverpool job, but that is going to Andoni Iraola.
According to their information, discussions are underway with Crystal Palace. But there are also clubs in the Middle East vying for his signature, and the battle is not over by any means.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Crystal Palace have chosen Sage over Dino Toppmoller at this moment in time.
Crystal Palace suitability
Pierre Sage is one of the hottest managerial options on the market after a sensational season in France that saw him win Ligue 1 manager of the year. He guided Lens to Coup de France success, second in Ligue 1 and Champions League.
That followed a success spell at Lyon where he transformed a team sat at the bottom of the table overnight, leading to an unprecedented charge up the table to European qualification and a cup final.
His teams play with an intense, counter-press system designed to win possession high up the pitch utilising a flexible 3-4-2-1 system, making him a potential ideal replacement to follow in Oliver Glasner’s footsteps.
