Pierre Sage is ready for his first competitive match as Crystal Palace manager, with the Eagles preparing to begin their 14th consecutive Premier League season away to Everton on Saturday. Palace enter the campaign after winning three trophies across the last two seasons, while six new players have joined during the summer alongside Sage’s arrival in the dugout.
The manager hopes Dean Henderson will recover from the ankle twist that forced him off against Freiburg. The goalkeeper was due to train with the specialist coaches before a final decision, although Sage said the injury was not considered serious. He added that the rest of the squad was available for selection, leaving him with several decisions to make.
Sage indicated that Palace could still add one or two players before the transfer window closes. With Maxence Lacroix having moved to Chelsea, he said the club would like to recruit an experienced centre-back, ideally someone with Premier League experience and the leadership qualities required by the team. However, he stressed that Palace would wait for the right player rather than rush the process.
Adam Wharton is another key part of Sage’s plans. Asked about reported Manchester City interest, the manager said he believes another season at Palace and within a new structure would benefit the midfielder, while making clear that the club needs him. Sage also addressed Wilfried Zaha, whom he coached at Lyon, but said he did not expect the former Palace star to remain with the squad.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is available for the trip to Everton after being left out of the Freiburg match following his arrival at the start of the week. Sage explained that Mateta and Yéremy Pino would be managed carefully before receiving more minutes. He also expects Romain Esse to leave temporarily because regular playing time is important for the academy graduate’s development. Óscar Mingueza’s versatility was welcomed, while Sage said Daniel Muñoz was happy at Palace despite transfer speculation surrounding him.
Sage described his first weeks at the club as a period of learning, praising the staff for their focus and connection to Palace’s culture. He wants the team to follow clear principles rather than concentrate solely on immediate results, with the aim of developing a consistent identity over a long season.
The new manager expects a competitive contest at Everton but intends to approach the match positively. Palace will travel with the ambition of winning, while Sage also emphasised the importance of supporters, saying the team must play with the energy and culture expected by the fans.
