Crystal Palace

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We asked for your views on the news that Crystal Palace are set to hold talks with Lens boss Pierre Sage as they look for Oliver Glasner's replacement.

Here are some of your comments:

Allan: I hadn't heard of Oliver Glasner before his appointment and look at his success. Pierre Sage appears to be in the same position - I have no problem with his appointment.

Derek: I had never heard Sage's name, prior to some mention by various people, especially Palace fans. However, he appears to have all the right credentials, and if he wants the job, bring him in. All others are not what we need.

Peter: Of all the names being bandied about as the potential new Palace manager, I would much prefer Sage over all the others. I like what I've read about him and his style, so for us to get him would (hopefully) be good for the club. It would be too easy to say he's got big boots to fill following Glasner's record, and that would be unfair on Sage. Let's hope we get him and give him all our support from the board to the terraces.

Rich: We need to move on in a positive way from Glasner. This chap has a very good reputation and would build on the work Glasner and his team have done at Palace. If we could get him, it would be a great way to build on the strong foundations in place. I hope it's done soon and we also see some additional players of quality joining to add to the squad.

Oliver: I would be quite happy with Sage. His record at Lens has been very good, helping them win the Coupe de France and keeping them in a title race with PSG until the end of April. We need to keep the upward trajectory at Palace and I think he is by far the best out of the names being circled around.

Jake: An interesting choice. He seems to be a modern manager who is flexible in his tactics depending on the opposition. We do need to move away from the rigid tactics Glasner employed to get the best out of players like Eddie Nketiah and Jorgen Strand Larsen, so he seems to be a good option.

Chris: I doubt many Palace fans had heard of Glasner before we appointed him and that turned out OK, so I'll trust the board on this one.* (*Just as long as we don't go for Sean Dyche or Frank Lampard.)

Pedro: Sage is a young, forward-thinking and upwardly mobile manager. An exciting prospect who I'd welcome. Dyche and Thomas Frank aren't good fits. If not, then Kieran McKenna over Lampard. I never believed Andoni Iraola was coming.

Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for defender Josh Acheampong.

The 20-year-old is a graduate of the academy at Stamford Bridge and as reported elsewhere has been given 'untouchable' status in terms of his future.

It remains unclear whether Acheampong, whose Chelsea contract expires in 2029, is looking for a move away from the club.

However, Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation while Bournemouth also retain an interest in Acheampong from last summer.

Prudent Nsengiyumva
Sport journalist

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Pierre Sage's Lens side are built not only on aggressive pressing but also a willingness to attack quickly once the ball is won back.

The Opta numbers show a team intent on regaining possession high up the pitch. Lens have made 426 high turnovers this season, frequently turning those moments into chances, producing 69 shots and seven goals.

The focus isn't just on winning the ball, but on doing it in areas where they can immediately threaten. That approach shapes how they attack.

The Ligue 1 side have produced 65 direct attacks and 55 fast breaks this season, highlighting a clear preference for moving forward at speed rather than recycling possession.

Their overall profile reflects that trade-off.

Lens averaged 51.9% possession in 2025-26 - but their game is less about long spells on the ball and more about what happens the moment they win it back. It speaks to a deliberate strategy, rather than a lack of control.

The result is the clear identity of a side less concerned about dominating the ball and more focused on controlling games through pressure, regains and rapid transitions.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Lens boss Pierre Sage, who is said to be open to joining, is expected to meet Crystal Palace officials in the coming days as the Premier League club look to appoint Oliver Glasner's replacement.

The Eagles are set for disappointment in their efforts to hand the job to first-choice candidate Andoni Iraola, who is to begin formal talks with Liverpool in the coming days to replace Arne Slot who was sacked on Saturday.

The Conference League winners had made a firm proposal to Iraola but now that he appears to be heading elsewhere, Palace are now monitoring alternative options.

Sage took over as Lens manager in June last year and led the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1. In addition, Lens beat Nice to win the Coupe de France for the first time in their 120-year history.

It is understood Palace are keeping an open mind to their managerial search and want to take their time before deciding their new first-choice target.

Coventry boss Frank Lampard, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmoller, ex-Spurs boss Thomas Frank and former Burnley and Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche are also being considered with a number having already held talks.

Read more about Crystal Palace's search for a manager here

How would you feel about appointing Sage? Tell us

Crystal Palace have held another round of talks with highly-rated Lens manager Pierre Sage. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on which players Crystal Palace should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves,Burnley and West Ham United.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Kiyan: I think we should sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham as another wing-back as he plays there for West Ham. Maybe we could get Konstantinos Mavropanos as a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, if he ends up leaving.

Joe: Joao Gomes [Wolves] would be the obvious choice but I'd take a look at Zian Flemming from Burnley. As Jean-Philippe Mateta is most likely going, he'd be great back-up - 11 goals in a horrid season is no easy feat!

John: I wanted Crysencio Summerville when Leeds went down and after a year at West Ham I want him even more at Palace. Just as long as he isn't cursed with the relegation bug!

Darren: Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Summerville from West Ham and Gomes from Wolves please! That would surely add strength in depth. We will need a larger squad to cope with the workload from the Europa League.

Tony: We need cover for Daniel Munoz at right wing-back. Wan-Bissaka could be another former player tempted to return to Selhurst Park for a couple of years with eyes on playing in a European competition again.

Michael: Would love to get Jarrod Bowen, who chose West Ham over Palace, but suspect there will be more attractive suitors this time as well. Could bring Wan-Bissaka back home, as useful cover/back-up for Munoz.

Stephen: Tough without knowing the reality of outgoings - but at face value I would look to bulk our squad for Europa with West Ham's Wan-Bissaka, Taty Castellanos, Bowen, Mateus Fernandes and Summerville. Mateus Mane at Wolves but no-one from Burnley stands out. Only Fernandes and possibly Summerville would improve our first XI.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Dear Oliver,

Long before your time at the club, there was a phrase placed up high at the training ground: "Winning is everything." A backdrop to many team photos, had those words ever carried truth, it would mean all those squads possessed nothing.

Being a Palace fan has never been about chasing victory. Whether someone became infatuated with Selhurst through proximity, by blood or was captured by the club from overseas, Palace has been about community.

The previous decade had been a story of the underdog, of resilience and Premier League survival - against the odds and, perhaps, financial realities. A badge to wear with pride, with season upon season of players and coaches to maintain that legacy and spirit.

The danger with that mindset is that you can begin to accept the status quo or your limitations, which is where you entered the narrative.

The past two and a half seasons came with a belief that competing with the best shouldn't be a rare event, but something driven towards every week, across all competitions.

It would be remiss of me not to speak of Wembley. Three visits, three victories. The FA Cup final is a memory we will hold for a lifetime. A sea of euphoria and tears, carrying the weight of past cup heartbreaks, and the spirit of loved ones who never made it there to see it.

In life, just as in football, progression is never linear, and stories don't last forever. For a season, fans ventured across Europe as a team battled their way into more uncharted territory and yet another final. Descending upon Leipzig by any means necessary, for a final chapter in this particular tale.

Winning may not be everything, but if you spend a lifetime never expecting it, it only tastes sweeter when it arrives.

On Wednesday, I got to travel to eastern Germany with my father. He first entered Selhurst Park over 65 years ago. At home, my brother watched us lift the trophy with his three-day-old son in his arms.

We once spoke of generational pain when it came to Crystal Palace in big moments. It is now generational joy.

To quote a friend and fellow fan, we are living our best Palace life, and we can thank you for that.

Alles gute, Oliver.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

The curtain has officially come down on Crystal Palace's season, albeit a few days after it did so for most other Premier League sides.

Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.

With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?

Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?

Let us know your thoughts here

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We asked for your views on Andoni Iraola, who is Crystal Palace's main target to replace Oliver Glasner, with their plan B being Frank Lampard.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: Since 2010, Crystal Palace have never attempted to hire an already employed manager - so we won't go after Frank Lampard. Andoni Iraola, Thomas Frank or Marco Silva are more likely. Antonio Conte a left-field choice.

Robert: 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.

Josh: We need someone with true European experience, with fresh, exciting attacking tactics - definitely not Sean Dyche!

Bob: What I really want is for Glasner to do a U-turn, but it's highly unlikely. As for Iraola, I'm not so sure. Why is he leaving successful Bournemouth? Glasner has never been a manager for any club longer than two years, that includes Wolfsburg, Frankfurt and Palace. I want to see a manager who will give everything, go through thick and thin and stay with us. Iraola too may decide to leave after two years, so let's move on, don't rush it and get the right person.

Al: Please, please, please not Lampard. If anyone other than Iraola, then Sage, who has been exceptional at Lyon and then Lens.

Robert: 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.

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Crystal Palace's income from their debut European season proved to be lucrative, having already banked just shy of 22m euros (£19.1m) via a combination of winning the Conference League and for qualifying for the Europa League.

Unlike Arsenal and Aston Villa, Palace are the only English club to directly qualify for a European competition as a result of winning a trophy this term.

From the Conference League itself, Palace have earned at least 17.3m euros (£15m) this term.

For qualifying for the league phase, Palace were given 175,000 euros (£152,000) for winning the play-off round and a further 3.17m euros (£2.75m) for getting to the league phase.

In Palace's six league phase matches, they won three and drew one. That combined earned the club 1.333m euros (£1.16m). Oliver Glasner's side received an additional 200,000 euros (£173,000) for finishing between ninth and 24th and a further 756,000 euros (£655,000) for a 10th-placed finish.

Palace then earned 800,000 euros (£694,000) for reaching the last 16, 1.3m euros (£1.1m) for getting to the quarter-finals and 2.5m euros (£2.2m) for reaching the semi-finals.

Winning the final alone earned Palace 7m euros (£6.1m) in prize money.

Read the full article on European prize money here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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When Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish first met Oliver Glasner in late 2023, he had no idea it would be a meeting that would change the course of the club's history.

It was then sporting director, Dougie Freedman, who had set up the get-together in south London. Freedman had tracked Glasner's career trajectory in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt and was impressed with what he saw.

Roy Hodgson was in charge at Selhurst Park at the time, but there was pressure on the club to make a change.

Parish would have usually preferred to appoint a manager with some Premier League history, but there was something about Glasner that impressed the businessman.

Wind forward two-and-a-half years, and Glasner has just led Crystal Palace to Conference League glory with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

It will be his final game in charge - but it comes at the end of a scarcely-believable 12-month period of unprecedented success.

"He has got to be one of the best managers Crystal Palace has ever had," said Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. "He has made a massive difference to how the club looks at competitions.

"We are not just looking to stay in the Premier League and be in Europe, we are looking to win and be as high as possible."

When Glasner bid farewell to Selhurst Park on Sunday, following the final Premier League game of the season, the Austrian made sure he had time to poke fun at his past disagreements with Parish.

"Now I'm leaving, I don't have to agree with the chairman," he said with a smile. "He said the best day was the FA Cup final, but I don't agree. The best day is still to come in Leipzig."

It was a light-hearted exchange that underlined Palace's confidence as they prepared for a first European final - a far cry from where they found themselves at the start of the year.

The Conference League final victory - which guarantees Palace a spot in next season's Europa League - is the final chapter of Glasner's career with the Eagles.

"Right now, I can't even believe it is the last game," said Glasner post-match. "It is a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other good chapters will follow.

"I said to the players after the FA Cup [win], go and get what you deserve - the Europa League."

Crystal Palace supporters have never had it so good.

Read the full article here

Crystal Palace want to convince midfielders Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada to stay following their Conference League final win. (Sky Sports), external

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Ellie Killick
Fan writer

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Wow, I still feel like I'm dreaming. Crystal Palace are European champions!

A journey that started in Norway back in August ended in Leipzig eight months later with the ultimate prize - and what a night it was!

Going into the game I didn't know much about Rayo Vallecano. I'd never seen them play but based on their form – unbeaten in 10 – and information I'd been told by fellow fans, I was slightly nervous. Spanish teams are never easy to play but Palace, despite only the one-goal advantage, completely controlled the game.

The first half was tense and we really needed a goal. Tyrick Mitchell had an opportunity served on a silver platter just before the break, but he couldn't direct it on target.

Perhaps they were saving the goal for in front of the Palace end because six minutes into the second half Jean-Philippe Mateta found the breakthrough and the south stand went wild. Beer flying everywhere and everyone hugging strangers - we were 39 minutes away from history.

There was a chance to double the lead minutes later, but after pinball in the box, it wasn't to be.

The final 15 minutes were the nerviest. We were creating our own problems and allowing Rayo to get back into the game. Giving the ball away cheaply and not closing them down was perhaps a reflection of the effort and energy they've had to put in this season – 60 games is no joke but they can now have a well-deserved break!

I'm so incredibly proud of every one of those players. They've given it everything this season and the celebrations just proved what it meant to them. They make me so proud to be a south Londoner.

The atmosphere was absolutely electric. Unlike the FA Cup final, when you could feel the nerves, everyone seemed confident in the boys to bring this one home. It was a magical night and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it. I'm so excited to travel round the continent singing: "Champions of Europe, we know what we are!"

Three trophies in 12 months, and I was there for them all (and there's a couple of pictures below from this trip).

Oliver Glasner is a serial winner, and I will be eternally grateful for what he's done to my football club. He's going to be deeply missed.

Now it's time to save up for another European tour next season in the Europa League - where we should have been anyway! UTP!

Find more from Ellie Killick at Eagle Eye View, external

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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For Crystal Palace, all eyes are now Andoni Iraola. Will he, won't he?

The glory of Wednesday night's euphoric Conference League win in Leipzig won't fade for some time for supporters.

But for those at the heart of the club, the planning for next season will accelerate with almost immediate effect.

The first task at hand is to appoint a new head coach.

As BBC Sport revealed earlier this month, Iraola is the man Palace want to replace the outgoing Oliver Glasner, who insisted after the triumph in Germany that he has no plans to reverse his decision.

They have made the Spaniard a proposal and are awaiting his answer, within that are assurances that he will be permitted significant influence over the recruitment operation.

It is understood Palace want an answer by the end of the weekend.

The move is ambitious. Iraola has emerged as one of the brightest managers in European football; Bournemouth's qualification for next season's Europa League illustrative of his impressive body of work.

"We have got a taste for it now, we want to keep it going," said owner Steve Parish following the win over Rayo Vallecano.

"We have gone up a level and we have got to try and stay there. We will have a week to celebrate and then work hard in the summer."

Palace believe they have done all they can to convince Iraola that they can provide the platform for him to continue building his reputation.

All that is left is Iraola's approval.

If the 43-year-old declines then Palace will move on to plan B.

Among the alternatives is understood to be Frank Lampard, who has key admirers in the Palace boardroom.

Releasing Lampard from his contract with Coventry provides an obvious stumbling block should Palace pivot to the former Chelsea midfielder.

But there is some optimism at Palace that Lampard, who is aware of the Premier League club's interest in him, would be open to joining ahead of next season.

Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank have also been discussed as options.

Luring Iraola to Selhurst Park would represent a coup for Palace, but the fact he's taken so long to decide has led to a degree of scepticism inside Selhurst Park over whether the now departed Bournemouth head coach is prepared to accept.

Much will become clearer in the coming days.

Out of the names listed, who would you like to see replace Glasner? Or, if none of them, where else should Palace be looking?

Let us know your thoughts here

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Jean-Philippe Mateta etched his name into Crystal Palace history after scoring the deciding goal to earn the Eagles their first European trophy.

The France striker turned home a close-range winner on the rebound from an Adam Wharton strike early in the second half in Leipzig.

Cue the corner flag celebrations and a deafening "boom" from the stands - and many watching elsewhere.

"Mateta reacted quickly and it was a difficult finish because you have to control it," said former Palace forward Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live. "If you get the wrong contact it can go wide or over the bar, but he controlled it ever so well.

"What I like, is that he was in the six-yard box because that's where you want your strikers to be. Too many times you see strikers outside the box, but he was alive and inside the box.

"He reacts before the defenders, he sees Wharton and he can see the goalkeeper is going to parry it.

"Everyone says 'it's just fortunate' when you're at the right place at the right time, but it's because you react as a striker.

"People might say it's an easy finish, or he should score, but you see strikers missing from here. It's a really good finish.

"And I thought he deserved it because he led the line ever so well.

"I said to Palace fans months ago that 'you'll need him' and it wasn't worth booing him so stick with him. I knew he would have a big moment in this season, and what has he done? Had a big moment."

It was Mateta's 16th goal of the season for Palace - and he almost left the club in January before a knee injury scuppered a move to AC Milan.

But it hasn't been a smooth ride for Palace's targetman since arriving from Mainz on loan and then signing permanently.

"I remember when he signed and I said to Dougie Freedman 'no way' because of the way he controlled a football," laughed Morrison. "Every time the ball came to him it was bouncing off him!

"He didn't look like he was going to score goals."

But Oliver Glasner has undoubtedly helped Mateta take his game to another level - he had scored 11 goals in 80 games for Palace before Glasner's arrival in February 2024, but has netted 46 times in 110 matches under him.

"I remember doing an interview with him [Mateta] at the start of this season and he was saying that he didn't really have the confidence back then," Morrison added. "He believed in himself but managers didn't believe in him.

"He is a traditional centre forward and his rise has been outstanding.

"The more you believe in him, the more confidence he gets."

We asked you to let us know how you're feeling after Crystal Palace's historic Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Here are some of your comments:

Ken: The achievement of the team and Oliver Glasner is just great. Being 15th in Premier League, losing very good, key players and still winning a European trophy is in the history forever. Bravo, Glasner. Bravo, Crystal Palace boys. Great job, indeed. Sure, Thomas Tuchel biggest selection mistake is not taking Adam Wharton to the World Cup instead of 35-year-old Jordan Henderson.

Tony: I'm absolutely exhausted. What a two years this has been. For a supposed 'little team' to do this is unbelievable. Oliver's army I will always be. Thank you for the memories, south London's most famous son. You have made my dreams come true. I hope we name a stand after him.

Eafle: As a Palace supporter of over 50 years, there's been a few ups and lots of downs - I never expected to see the success of the last year. What's next? The Palace of old would appoint a useless manager, implode and be relegated. Hoping we are on a new path, but will continue to support whatever, with memories of what has been achieved.

Mark: Wonderful occasion, privilege to be there. I've followed Palace for 55 years through thick and thin. What a 12 months. Rayo Vallecano fans are an absolute credit to their club - amazing.

Andy: I watched from Selhurst Park. I am so very proud to be a Palace fan. We've suffered over the years with relegations and administrations, and yet here we are. FA Cup and Conference League champions. It's really hard to believe but it's the most amazing times. You cannot praise our players enough - it's been a hugely tough season. And finally... thank you, thank you, thank you, Oli Glasner. You gave us memories and joy I will never forget! South London and proud!

Simon: Ecstatic. Rough at times but that's Palace and that's why we love them. Should have been in the Europa League to start with, but we did it the Palace way, the hard way... but we got there in the end! Up the Palace! EAGLES!

Steve: It's hard to imagine the club I first watched playing against teams like Gateshead, Barrow and Accrington Stanley are now European winners. Back then, three trophies in one year seemed an impossible dream. This final may not have been pretty, but who cares? Congratulations to everyone at the club, which, for so many, has always felt like an extended family. Long may it continue.

Jake: A fairytale ending to Oliver Glasner's tenure. We have been hit and miss all season but have cleared the final hurdle. Thank you, Oli and the players, you've made the impossible happen.

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

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England boss Thomas Tuchel created many talking points with his England World Cup squad selection last week, but Adam Wharton's performance in Crystal Palace's night of European history only made for more debate about his omission.

The midfielder delivered a man-of-the-match display as the Eagles beat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final to win their first-ever European trophy.

Wharton will not travel to this summer's tournament after Tuchel picked Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers as his midfield options.

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle was among many surprised by the decision, and he aired his views before and after Wharton delivered an impressive performance in Leipzig.

"A little bit surprised," he told TNT Sports before the 1-0 victory. "I love the way he looks forward and passes. He can hit killer balls, balls that take the whole defence out.

"I'm not sure we have many other players who can do that consistently from a deep-lying position, so my eyebrows definitely went up when I saw he wasn't in there."

After the game, Hoddle added: "This is the quality that we have got. I would've had him in the squad. He is a wonderful footballer.

"He is a top professional. He could easily play for England but which one [midfielder] shouldn't be playing?"

Former England and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott added: "He hasn't let that decision impact his performance.

"He is a top professional as well as being mentally strong enough to deal with setbacks and to cope with that. Like I said before the game, he could easily play for England."

It certainly feels a harsh decision to leave someone like Wharton at home, even if Tuchel has many choices in the position.

Read the full article here

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

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It has been a turbulent campaign, but Oliver Glasner bows out in style and will go down as one of Crystal Palace's greatest managers.

They had never won a major trophy until last season's FA Cup success against Manchester City - and now have two in two seasons after this glorious night, while they also picked up the Community Shield by beating Liverpool.

Glasner and Palace's glory this term comes despite the loss of two key players - with Eberechi Eze sold to Arsenal last summer and Marc Guehi joining City in January.

The Austrian manager has undoubtedly helped Jean-Philippe Mateta take his game to another level - he had scored 11 goals in 80 games for Palace before Glasner's arrival in February 2024, but has netted 46 times in 110 matches under him.

Given the striker's importance in this final, the knee issue which blocked his move to Milan has proven to be a huge blessing for Palace.

Mateta put the failed transfer behind him to win back the support of the Eagles' fans while also earning himself a spot in France's World Cup squad.

This victory was also down to the impressive Adam Wharton. It was his shot which helped create the winner, but he was brilliant in possession throughout - just a week on from the disappointment of missing out on England's World Cup squad.

Palace had chances to make it an easier night, but managed to see the game out comfortably enough and celebrated wildly at full-time after their 60th match of an exhausting, and difficult, campaign.

They were forced to drop down from the Europa League to Europe's third-tier competition because of ownership issues, then suffered a shock FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield and finished 15th in the Premier League.

But all that will be forgotten - and Palace will compete in Europe again as this victory guarantees Europa League football next season.

Palace are the second English team to win a European trophy this term - joining Europa League champions Aston Villa - and Arsenal will look to complete an unprecedented hat-trick against Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.