- Crystal Palace to confirm Pierre Sage appointment
- Eagles will have three more new members of staff
- One has been Sage’s right-hand man
Pierre Sage could be confirmed as Crystal Palace manager as early as today. Reports claim that a final agreement was reached between the club and the French coach on Sunday (June 14th).
Succeeding Oliver Glasner is a tough ask for Sage but his body of work speaks for itself. He oversaw Lens’ incredible campaign, guiding them to a second-placed finish and a Coupe de France win.
That said, Sage was helped along the way at Lens and Lyon and is set to bring three of his assistants to Selhurst Park. We delve into the trio who L’Equipe reports are following the Frenchman to South London.
Jamal Alioui
Described as holding a “fire and ice” relationship with Sage, the Moroccan has been by the incoming Palace manager’s side throughout his managerial career. He tends to focus on building relationships with players.
Former Eagles striker Odsonne Edouard explained that Jamal Alioui gives the team a “daily voice and energy.” He isn’t afraid to challenge Sage to ensure that they are working towards their shared goal.
Damien Della Santa
Sage will turn to his former Lyon assistant Damien Della Santa, who focuses on individual player development and set-piece strategies. He’s previously worked with the likes of former Nice manager Christophe Galtier and ex-Lyon boss Paul Fonseca.
Della Santa once explained that “one goal in every three is scored from a set piece.” Palace fans might be seeing an improvement in their set-piece play, judging by these comments.
Sandy Guichard
Joining Palace’s backroom staff as physical trainer is Sandy Guichard, who spent seven seasons at AS Monaco. He’s currently out of work but has experience worldwide.
Guichard held the role of conditioning coach with the Algeria national team, Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, French side Sochaux and Swiss club FC Sion.
