Pierre Sage has dismissed suggestions of a breakdown in his relationship with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish ahead of the Eagles’ return to European competition.
Palace host Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening in the Europa League, having earned their place in the competition by winning the Conference League last season. Sage, appointed during the summer after arriving from Lens to replace Oliver Glasner, enters the fixture under some pressure after Palace won just one of their opening four Premier League matches and suffered a 3-2 home defeat against Ipswich in their most recent league outing.
Reports in the English press had suggested that Parish was unhappy with Sage’s decision to leave defender Jaydee Canvot out of the squad for that match. Sage rejected the idea of a dispute, saying he had spoken with the Palace president a few days earlier and that there was no issue between them.
The French coach explained that he regularly discusses his decisions with the club’s leadership, including choices that may be viewed positively or negatively. While those discussions can prompt a reaction, Sage said the club’s decision-makers remain aligned with him.
Canvot had started Palace’s first three league games after establishing himself as a regular during the second half of last season, following Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City. The defender, who joined from Toulouse for €23 million at the end of the 2025 summer transfer window, was then left out of the squad for the latest fixture.
Sage described that omission as a footballing decision, citing Canvot’s display against Fulham and his work during the preceding week. He said he had spoken to the defender and expected a strong response. The France Under-21 international’s involvement, whether in the starting line-up, on the bench or in the stands, will therefore be closely watched against Lech Poznan.
