French club Lens appoints Toppmöller as its new manager following the departure of coach Sage. Multiple reports state that Toppmöller is hired to replace Sage, who leaves the club to take up a role with English side Crystal Palace. The appointment is presented as a direct succession, with Lens naming Toppmöller to take charge of the team after Sage’s exit. While specific contract terms, start dates, and staffing details are not provided in the information shared, the overall sequence is consistent across outlets: Sage departs Lens for Crystal Palace, and Lens responds by appointing Toppmöller as the next head coach. The reports do not indicate immediate changes beyond the managerial switch, but they confirm that Toppmöller’s hiring is tied to the coaching vacancy created by Sage’s move abroad.