Crystal Palace are making their move. The Selhurst Park hierarchy have identified Pierre Sage, the man who has quietly rebuilt RC Lens into a discipli...
Crystal Palace are making their move. The Selhurst Park hierarchy have identified Pierre Sage, the man who has quietly rebuilt RC Lens into a disciplined, dangerous outfit, as the primary candidate to succeed Oliver Glasner. GoalZaza understands that formal talks are now scheduled, with the Frenchman's representatives expected to sit down with Palace's sporting director this week.This is not a name that will send the terraces into a frenzy, but in the cold light of a South London winter, it makes considerable sense. Sage has overseen a remarkable resurgence at the Stade Bollaert, dragging Lens back into the European conversation with a brand of football that is both structurally sound and tactically flexible. He is a coach who knows how to organise a low block, understands the importance of a sharp transition, and has shown a knack for improving individual players. There is a quiet, methodical intelligence to his work that feels a world away from the frantic managerial merry go round.The timing is curious, though. Sage is in the middle of a season, with Lens still fighting on multiple fronts. Why would he jump The lure of the Premier League is obvious, but so is the risk. Palace are currently a club in search of an identity. Glasner's tenure promised so much with that late season surge, but the wheels came off. The current squad is a mixed bag of talented individuals and fading stars. Sage would need to immediately impose his principles, and that takes time. Time is a luxury rarely afforded in the Premier League. Can he handle the pressure Or will the bright lights of a London derby prove too much for a man whose biggest stage so far has been the Parc des PrincesOne thing is certain: this is a gamble worth taking. Palace have been stuck in no man's land for too long. They are not in a relegation dogfight, but they are not threatening the top half either. Sage offers a clear, progressive project. He is not a name for the headline writers, but he might just be the right man for the job. The next few days will tell us whether he believes that too. Squeaky bum time at Selhurst Park, and it is only January.
