Crystal Palace have bolstered their coaching staff ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season by appointing former Morocco international Jamal Alioui. The 43-year-old joins Pierre Sage’s technical team, which also includes Damien Della Santa, Sandy Guichard, and assistant coach Paddy McCarthy. Goalkeeping coach Andy Quy remains in his role.

Who is Jamal Alioui?

Alioui arrives at Selhurst Park after a successful partnership with Sage at Olympique Lyon and Lens. The duo helped Lyon achieve one of their best campaigns in recent years during the 2024-25 season before moving to Lens, where they won the 2025-26 Coupe de France and secured a second-place finish in Ligue 1. Alioui’s coaching career began in 2017 as an assistant at Misérieux-Trévoux, followed by stints managing Bron and Vaulx-en-Velin. He later joined Morocco’s Under-20 national team before taking his first head coaching role with GOAL FC in 2021-22. He also worked as an assistant at Nancy and Versailles before reuniting with Sage.

What does this mean for Crystal Palace?

Alioui’s appointment comes as Crystal Palace look to build on a 15th-place finish in the 2025-26 Premier League season, where they secured 45 points from 38 games (11W-12D-15L). The Eagles ended the campaign with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on May 27, 2026, and their recent form shows one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. With 41 goals scored and 51 conceded, the team will hope Alioui’s experience can help improve their defensive solidity and attacking output.

What’s next for Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at home against Ipswich on September 12, 2026. The team, currently 40 points behind league leaders Arsenal, will aim to climb the table with the help of their new coaching staff. Alioui’s arrival marks the first time he will work in the English top flight, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in France and Morocco.