Jørgen Strand Larsen went directly from the celebration of the Conference League title at his new club Crystal Palace, to the World Cup run-up for Norway. While all the focus is on the World Cup matches, Palace have worked hard to put in place a coach who can build on the foundation of Oliver Glasner – and raise the club even further. On Tuesday, a new coaching solution was put in place.
Crystal Palace supporters clapped Oliver Glasner out of Selhurst Park one last time last month. Glasner’s contract expired, but the Austrian left behind the FA Cup trophy, Community Shield trophy and Conference League trophy. The London club worked hard to secure the signing of Bournemouth’s successful coach, Andonio Iraola, but Liverpool decided the same. On Monday, Jørgen Strand Larsen’s new coach was applauded at Palace, what many would describe as a very exciting surprise.
Not heard of Pierre Sage, you say? For those who have followed Ligue 1 closely this season, the 47-year-old is not unknown. Sage led Lens to the title race against PSG, pushing the world’s best club right up until the end of the season, only six points behind Luis Enrique’s star-heavy team.
This achievement earned Sage the Ligue 1 Coach of the Year award. This is the man who will now lead Strand Larsen and the Palace gang.
And what can Palace supporters expect from Sage?
During his highly successful 2025/26 season at RC Lens, Sage implemented highly adaptable, possession-oriented and fast-paced football, a tactic that led the club to a historic second place in Ligue 1 – and the club’s first Coupe de France title.
We are looking forward to it!
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