Crystal Palace Turns to Pierre Sage as Iraola Talks Stall

Crystal Palace’s search for a new head coach has taken a sharp turn, with Lens manager Pierre Sage now moving into focus as talks are expected in the early part of this week.

Palace had pushed hard for Andoni Iraola, identifying the Bournemouth boss as their leading candidate to succeed Oliver Glasner. The club made a firm proposal to the Spaniard, hoping to tempt him to south London on the back of his impressive work on the south coast.

That plan is slipping away.

Iraola is set to begin formal talks with Liverpool in the coming days as the Anfield club look to replace Arne Slot, who was sacked on Saturday despite winning the Europa Conference League. With Liverpool stepping in, Palace’s hopes of landing their first choice have faded fast.

So the attention has shifted.

Chairman Steve Parish and the Palace hierarchy are now working through a wider shortlist and are determined not to be bounced into a rushed appointment. The club are examining a number of options, weighing up style, track record and the ability to build on the platform left by Glasner.

Sage has quickly climbed that list.

The 47-year-old Lens boss is developing a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising coaches, his stock rising on the back of progressive football and clear tactical identity. BBC Sport first revealed Palace’s interest in Sage on 8 May, though at that stage the club remained firmly locked on to Iraola.

Circumstances have changed. So has the urgency.

Sage is said to be open to the move, and he is expected to meet Palace officials in the coming days to discuss the project, the squad and the club’s ambitions. For Palace, who have seen their primary target drawn towards Merseyside, the talks with the French club’s coach could define the direction of their next era.