Pierre Sage has taken full responsibility for Crystal Palace’s 5-0 defeat by Brighton, describing the performance as a source of “shame” while acknowledging that his position is uncertain.
Palace were three goals down inside the opening 10 minutes and never recovered, suffering their heaviest defeat by their rivals since 1956. Sage said the team’s start was unacceptable and accepted that he had failed to prepare them properly for the occasion.
The Frenchman was appointed during the summer after guiding Lens to the French Cup and second place in Ligue 1. However, his first 10 matches in charge have produced four wins, one draw and five defeats, leaving Palace 14th in the Premier League after seven matches. They have conceded 17 goals, the highest total in the division.
Sage also apologised to the Palace supporters, saying the players had not shown the level required in a match of such importance. When asked whether he would be given enough time to improve the team, he responded that he did not know.
The result represents a stark change from the success enjoyed under former manager Oliver Glasner, with Palace winning the FA Cup for the first time in 2025 before lifting the Conference League in May.
Palace now face a quick opportunity to respond, travelling to Turkey to play Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday before returning to Premier League action at home to Newcastle on Sunday.
