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Lens head coach Pierre Sage has chosen to step down from his role with Les Sang et Or after just one season at the helm. The former Lyon manager had replaced Will Still a year ago and led Lens to their first-ever Coupe de France triumph, while also pushing Paris Saint-Germain in a surprisingly close Ligue 1 title race. During his 40 matches in charge, Sage recorded 28 victories, four draws, and eight defeats.

Repeating such an impressive campaign next season appeared nearly impossible, especially with the added challenge of at least eight UEFA Champions League fixtures. This situation prompted Sage to weigh his future, particularly as several European clubs expressed interest in his services. According to L’Equipe, Lens executives were not entirely caught off guard when Sage informed them on Tuesday of his decision to leave.

Following Lens’ Coupe de France success, the 47-year-old coach told several French media outlets that while he remained emotionally attached to Lens, he was receiving multiple offers and needed time to evaluate his options, despite having a contract valid until 2028. These remarks reportedly did not sit well with the club’s hierarchy, with insiders describing the once strong relationship as now being “beyond repair.”

L’Equipe further reports that although Sage did not completely rule out staying for a second season in northern France, Lens had no plans to continue with a coach whose focus seemed elsewhere. The anticipated appointment of Lorient assistant coach Yannick Cahuzac had already created some friction within the coaching team.

The publication also notes that Crystal Palace have made Sage their top candidate to succeed Oliver Glasner. Lens are expected to begin discussions with the Premier League club to finalise the terms of Sage’s departure. Reports suggest Palace are prepared to triple or even quadruple his current Lens salary to allow him to fulfil his ambition of managing in English football.