Crystal Palace Eyes Pierre Sage as Manager Amidst Iraola's Liverpool Talks
Lens boss Pierre Sage is poised to engage in discussions with Crystal Palace this week as the Premier League club seeks a successor to Oliver Glasner. The Eagles face disappointment in their pursuit of first-choice candidate Andoni Iraola, who is reportedly set to enter formal negotiations with Liverpool for their managerial vacancy following the sacking of Arne Slot. With Iraola appearing to head elsewhere, Palace is exploring alternative candidates. The club, under the leadership of chairman Steve Parish, is taking a measured approach in selecting their next head coach, considering multiple options. Among the candidates is Sage, who has garnered attention as one of Europe's promising coaches. BBC Sport first reported Palace's interest in the 47-year-old on May 8, but the club initially focused on securing Iraola from Bournemouth. Sage, who took the reins at Lens in June 2022, led the team to a remarkable second-place finish in Ligue 1 and clinched the Coupe de France, marking a historic achievement for the club. Palace is maintaining an open mind in their managerial search, wishing to make a thoughtful decision. Glasner, who guided the club to an FA Cup triumph last season and a Conference League victory this term, announced he would depart at the end of his contract this summer. Other potential candidates include: Frank Lampard (Coventry) Kieran McKenna (Ipswich) Dino Toppmoller (former Eintracht Frankfurt) Thomas Frank (ex-Spurs) Sean Dyche (former Burnley and Nottingham Forest) Lampard has supporters at Selhurst Park after leading Coventry to the Championship title and Premier League promotion, but his contract poses financial challenges. Meanwhile, McKenna's release clause could also complicate matters, while Frank, Toppmoller, and Dyche are available without such hurdles.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-01