Palace appoint Sage, Lens found a German coach

Last season was historic for both Crystal Palace and Lens. The London club won its first European trophy by lifting the Conference League, while the French side claimed the first Coupe de France title in its 120-year history. Now, in a way, their paths have crossed. Pierre Sage (47), the man who worked wonders with Lens by keeping them in the Ligue 1 title race with Paris Saint-Germain until the very end of the season while simultaneously guiding them to victory in France's second-most important competition, has become Crystal Palace's new manager.

The London club had known since last September that Oliver Glasner would not extend his contract and had plenty of time to find a suitable replacement. Their first choice was Andoni Iraola, but the Spaniard ultimately chose Liverpool. Still, appointing Sage, who previously managed Olympique Lyon before taking charge of Lens, appears to be a strong move. The contract has been signed for three years, and the new Selhurst Park boss is fully aware that both the board and the supporters will have high expectations.

"Oliver Glasner achieved some incredible things, and now I have to do the same. That's why I came here with great ambitions. The atmosphere here is positive, and my coaching staff and I think the same way. We want to continue the winning habits we had last season in our new club. That's why we'll give everything every day for the team, the club, and everyone involved, especially the fans, because we want to give them what they expect. We want them to be smiling and proud of their club," said Pierre Sage, who won 22 of 34 Ligue 1 matches with Lens last season.

Crystal Palace won the FA Cup before their Conference League triumph, so the expectation is that the new manager will continue the club's upward trajectory. Whether that success comes in the Premier League, the Europa League, where the team will compete next season, or perhaps in both competitions, remains to be seen.

Glasner's larger-than-life Treble with until-then trophyless Eagles

His former club Lens didn’t waste any time finding a replacement. Former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller signed a contract for two years, after he was interested in the Champions League participation with Lens. Toppmoller was sacked by Frankfurt in January due to bad results, despite securing the Champions League football in his first season. He had offers from various club, including Nice, Wolfsburg and some Saudi Arabian teams, but he chose Lens in the end.

“Racing is very well known in Germany for its passionate supporters. It is also a club recognized for its quality, its recruitment, it is a club that has been working very well for several years. It's very important for a coach or a player to absorb the local atmosphere and the club's history. There's a special culture here. I live and breathe football, and that's exactly how I've felt at this club" said Toppmoller upon arrival.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

Monday, 15.06.

Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0 (0-0)

/Diallo 90/

Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)

/Ayari 7, 90+6, Isak 30, Gyokeres , Svanberg 84 - Rekik 43/

Spain - Cabo Verde 0-0

Belgium - Egypt 1-1 (0-1)

/Hany 66 og - Ashour 20/

Tuesday 16.06.

Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)

/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/

Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)

/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/

22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)

Wednesday

01.00: (12.0) Iraq (6.50) Norway (1.27)

04.00: (1.47) Argentina (4.60) Algeria (8.10)

07.00: (1.40) Austria (5.00) Jordan (9.00)

20.00: (1.30) Portugal (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)

23.00: (1.75) England (3.90) Croatia (5.00)