Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed his backroom team ahead of the 2025-26 season, following his appointment last month on a three-year deal. The Frenchman succeeded Oliver Glasner, who left Selhurst Park after his contract expired and later took over at Nottingham Forest.
Sage's Coaching Lineup
Sage, named Ligue 1 Manager of the Year last season after leading Lens to a second-place finish and their first Coupe de France triumph, has assembled a blend of trusted lieutenants and continuity hires. The 47-year-old emphasized his desire to build on Glasner's legacy, which included FA Cup and Conference League victories in successive campaigns.
Key Appointments
- Jamal Alioui (Assistant Manager): The former Morocco right-back, 44, previously served as Sage's assistant at Lyon and Lens. Despite only starting his coaching career five years ago, Alioui has become an integral part of Sage's setup.
- Andy Quy (Goalkeeping Coach): A former Premier League goalkeeper, Quy spent 12 years as a goalkeeping coach at Stoke City, eight in the top flight. He joined Palace in September 2025 and already knows the squad well, playing a key role in their European success last season.
- Damien Della Santa (Set-Piece Coach): A trusted Sage associate from their time at Lyon, Della Santa brings specialist skills in individual player development and set-piece strategy.
- Paddy McCarthy (Coach): A continuity hire, McCarthy has been at Palace for 18 years as a player and coach. He progressed from Under-18s coach to Under-23s head coach before joining the first-team staff in 2023, and has also coached for the Republic of Ireland national team since 2024.
- Sandy Guichard (Fitness Coach): The only hire without prior links to Sage or Palace, Guichard spent seven years as Monaco's fitness coach. His departure from Monaco followed CEO Thiago Scuro's criticism of the club's injury crisis, which Scuro described as their "biggest liability" in January 2025. Scuro stated, "It isn't normal that there are so many injuries. It changes everything in a season. I have to understand it and find a solution." Guichard left Monaco shortly after.
Impact on Palace's Season
With pre-season underway, Sage's backroom team is expected to implement his tactical philosophy, which earned him accolades in France. The retention of Quy and McCarthy ensures continuity, while Alioui and Della Santa bring familiarity with Sage's methods. Guichard's appointment aims to address fitness concerns, though his previous role at Monaco faced scrutiny over injury management.
