Pierre Sage’s difficult start as Crystal Palace manager has brought his position under serious scrutiny, with the club facing a decisive period after a run of poor results.
Palace’s latest setback was a 5-0 defeat by Brighton on Sunday. Sage has now won only two of his first seven Premier League matches in charge, while Palace have conceded 17 goals — the highest total in the division.
There is some sympathy for the Frenchman within the club, with injuries making his task more difficult. Palace have also been without Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr because of a combination of fitness and personal matters linked to both players’ desire to leave.
Chairman and co-owner Steve Parish has previously shown patience in difficult circumstances. He did not remove Oliver Glasner after the former manager criticised the board over the sale of Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January. Glasner remained in charge until his contract ended and guided Palace to the Europa Conference League title, having already won the FA Cup the previous season.
Sage’s future is nevertheless far from secure. Palace’s upcoming fixtures against Besiktas and Newcastle could prove critical, with further disappointing results likely to increase pressure on Parish. Some people close to the club believe Sage’s tenure may end once a suitable replacement is available.
