rewrite this title ‘You can have a big party’ – Sage eyes more European success with Palace

New Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has set his sights on bringing more European success to Selhurst Park after taking the reins from Oliver Glasner.

Sage was confirmed as the Eagles’ new boss on Monday, having signed a three-year contract following Glasner’s decision to step away at the end of 2025-26.

Glasner oversaw the most successful spell in Palace’s history, leading a club that had never previously won a major trophy to the FA Cup and Community Shield titles in 2025, then the Conference League this year.

Following their 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the latter competition, Palace will play Europa League football for the first time in 2026-27.

They were originally due to participate in that competition last campaign, only for Nottingham Forest to take their place when they were expelled due to a breach of multi-club ownership rules.

And, having coached in Europe with Lyon before his single season with Lens resulted in a second-placed Ligue 1 finish, Sage is determined to enjoy Palace’s next continental adventure. 

“It’s a positive pressure because when you win, you want to win more,” Sage told Palace’s website.

“In Europe, I played in the Europa League two years ago and it was really exciting. 

“You have good games with a lot of intensity. If you give your best, like you did last year, you are able to do things that other people can’t think about.

“With a good surprise, you can have a big party at the end of the season!”

Part of the Palace. pic.twitter.com/lIKGVUmWjC

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) June 15, 2026

Asked to provide a message to Palace’s supporters, the 47-year-old added: “You can know that we will give our best for you – and we are together.

“From my first steps in the stadium, I understand the atmosphere. We understand that good things happen here, historical things happen.

“That’s why we have to continue in this way: because it’s special to play here, and we want to be special.”

In addition to their runner-up finish in Ligue 1, Sage led Lens to their first-ever Coupe de France title in 2025-26, as they defeated Nice 3-1 in last month’s final.