Crystal Palace set to appoint manager who Liverpool considered before Andoni Iraola
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesCrystal Palace FCCrystal Palace are closing in on the appointment of Lens boss Pierre Sage as their new manager, with the Frenchman having previously been linked with Liverpool before the Reds opted for Andoni Iraola.Crystal Palace is set to appoint Pierre Sage(Image: Getty Images)Crystal Palace are poised to name Lens manager Pierre Sage as Oliver Glasner's successor. The Austrian departed Selhurst Park this summer upon the expiry of his contract, having guided the club to the Conference League title in his final match at the helm.Several names were associated with the vacancy, including Coventry's Frank Lampard and new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.
Lens boss Sage was another contender, and it appears a deal between the Frenchman and Palace is edging closer.According to reports, a compensation agreement between the Eagles and Lens is nearing completion. The Ligue 1 outfit are expected to receive a compensation for his services, while Sage will sign a three-year contract at Selhurst Park.The 47 year old previously managed Lyon, steering the side to a sixth-place finish in his inaugural season in charge.He departed after just over a year before being appointed by Lens last summer, going on to clinch the Coupe de France and guide the club to a runners-up spot in the league.His move to Palace represents Sage finally achieving his ambition of working in the Premier League.
He had previously been linked with the Liverpool post alongside Sebastian Hoeness, before the Reds ultimately opted for Iraola.Speaking following the confirmation of his appointment at Anfield, the former Bournemouth manager said: "Really excited because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it is a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.Liverpool were linked with Sage before a move for Iraola(Image: Getty Images)"But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club and I always thought it's a special club, not [just] because of the football side, but also because what people think about even during the week, how they are passionate about the club, the ones who play football, the ones who are probably interested."I have some experience with Athletic Club that I could in some ways familiarise, but it's going to be fun to experience it from the inside."He went on to say: "I don't think you need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool, no? Liverpool is Liverpool, but obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles."I think it cannot be more attractive than this, it's difficult to find it, so really excited to start."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Crystal Palace FCLiverpool FCAndoni Iraola