Iraola Leads Crystal Palace Search as Pierre Sage Gains Support

Crystal Palace want Andoni Iraola to replace Oliver Glasner, and pierre sage has already surfaced in fan comments as the fallback many would take if the main target does not move. The club's search is being read through style as much as status: Frank Lampard sits in the background as plan B, but supporters are not aligned on him.

Iraola and Palace's shortlist

said Iraola is Palace's main target, with Lampard listed as plan B. Simon also pointed out that Palace have never tried to hire an already employed manager since 2010, a detail that complicates any move for a coach already under contract and makes the shortlist feel narrower than the headlines suggest.

Bob's hesitation went in the opposite direction. He said, "What I really want is for Glasner to do a U-turn, but it's highly unlikely." He also asked, "Why is he leaving successful Bournemouth?" That concern lands on Iraola rather than on Palace itself: the job is open, but the profile of the preferred candidate is tied to why he would walk away from his current situation.

Pierre Sage in the comments

Robert offered the clearest alternative path. "Iraola would be my choice for the job. If he doesn't sign then I'd like Pierre Sage from Lens, another up-and-coming younger manager who has done well. None of the other names appeal." He later added, "I'd like someone who will carry the same core beliefs as Glasner. Togetherness and hard work. I would prefer a manager who has actually won a trophy or two, maybe something in Europe, or it would feel like a step backwards."

Al backed the same fallback with more force: "Please, please, please not Lampard. If anyone other than Iraola, then Sage, who has been exceptional at Lyon and then Lens." Josh pushed the debate toward style instead of names, saying, "We need someone with true European experience, with fresh, exciting attacking tactics - definitely not Sean Dyche!"

Lampard and the risk of drift

Simon's reading of the market was more restrained than the fan wish list. He said, "Since 2010, Crystal Palace have never attempted to hire an already employed manager - so we won't go after Frank Lampard." He also judged that "Iraola, Thomas Frank or Marco Silva are more likely than Frank Lampard," which leaves Palace weighing a cleaner fit against a name that carries more recognition than momentum.

Bob's note about Glasner's own pattern adds another layer. He said Glasner has never managed any club for longer than two years, and listed Wolfsburg, Frankfurt and Palace in that run. If Palace are already thinking about replacement profiles, the discussion is not just about who takes over next; it is about whether the club wants continuity, a trophy-winning résumé, or a younger coach like Sage who still has room to grow.