Pierre Sage is facing an uncertain future at Crystal Palace after Sunday’s 5-0 defeat by Brighton left the club at its lowest point of the season. The loss was Palace’s heaviest against their rivals in 70 years, with Brighton scoring three times during the opening 10 minutes at the Amex Stadium.
The result means Palace have won only two of their first seven Premier League matches under Sage. There is growing concern within the dressing room that the Frenchman could be dismissed, while several players are understood to have become disillusioned with his methods and communication.
Sage replaced Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park over the summer after guiding Lens to their first Coupe de France triumph and a second-place Ligue 1 finish last season. However, following a period of change at Palace, he has struggled to impose his ideas, with the team now having conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League this season.
Questions were already being raised in September over Sage’s ability to implement his style. His decision to leave centre-back Jaydee Canvot out after the 3-2 home defeat by Ipswich also attracted criticism. A goalless draw with Leeds gave him additional time to address the team’s defensive problems, but Palace have since conceded eight goals across their matches against Brighton and Lyon.
Sage’s position is now under close examination as Palace prepare to face Besiktas and Newcastle this week. The club has already sounded out possible replacements, although positive results in those matches would help relieve the pressure. For now, Sage enters a critical period with his position at Selhurst Park at risk.
