Pierre Sage is under growing pressure at Crystal Palace, with chairman Steve Parish giving the manager two games to change the team’s fortunes. The Eagles face Besiktas and Newcastle, with both matches live on Sky Sports, and another poor defensive display could lead to a change in management.
Palace have won only two Premier League matches this season and were heavily beaten by M23 rivals Brighton at the weekend. Their 17 goals conceded in seven league games is the highest total in the division, while their performances have raised concerns even when results have been positive.
The club’s hierarchy is understood to have valued Sage’s work at Lens, including a second-place Ligue 1 finish and a French Cup triumph. There is also a feeling among supporters that the Frenchman has been handed a difficult situation, with Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi not adequately replaced and new defensive leader Axel Disasi missing through suspension.
Injuries have further disrupted the back line. Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu have both been unavailable, meaning Sage has selected the same back three only once in all competitions. Palace’s midfield has also come under scrutiny, with Adam Wharton struggling in the Brighton defeat and Daichi Kamada operating further forward while Ismaila Sarr builds back towards full fitness.
Quinten Timber’s lively start at Palace has provided a positive, although he may need to adopt a more disciplined role while the team continues to concede goals. A hamstring injury to Timber could force Kamada into a deeper position, potentially giving Sage an opportunity to alter the midfield balance.
Reports have suggested that some players are unhappy with Sage’s communication, but the majority of the squad are understood to remain behind him. Sage left Champions League football to take on the Premier League challenge, yet he now needs more than improved results: Palace’s performances must show a willingness to adapt, particularly without the ball.
