Lens Confirms No Anger Toward Sage After Palace Move

Lens have moved quickly after Pierre Sage left for Crystal Palace, confirming Dino Toppmoller as the new head coach on a two-year contract. Sage departed after a single season in charge, despite delivering major success.

Sage was confirmed as Crystal Palace manager on Monday, replacing Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park. Palace, who won the Conference League in 2025-26, turned to the 47-year-old after Lens enjoyed a strong domestic campaign under Sage.

During the 2025-26 season, Sage guided Lens to a historic Coupe de France triumph. Lens beat Nice 3-1 in the final, securing the club’s first title in the competition and adding to a standout league performance.

Lens also finished second in Ligue 1 under Sage, ending the campaign six points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain. That position secured Champions League qualification, while Sage’s side recorded 22 wins from 34 league matches, with four draws and eight defeats.

The move to Palace surprised many supporters, given the progress made in a short time. However, Lens officials stressed that the club respects the choice, and that long-term plans stay unchanged despite the coaching change.

"There is no anger, our job is to manage offers, potential departures and arrivals. In the world of modern football, this also concerns coaches, but the project remains in place," explained the General Manager of Lens, Benjamin Parrot.

Attention at Lens now turns to Toppmoller’s first matches. The former Eintracht Frankfurt coach will debut competitively against Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophee des Champions on 18 August, before opening the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season against Auxerre.

With Toppmoller installed and Sage beginning a new spell at Crystal Palace, both clubs enter demanding campaigns. Lens insist the overall project remains stable, aiming to build on domestic success while adjusting to life without the coach who delivered a first Coupe de France title.