Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has stressed that possession will not be the sole measure of success when his side host Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Palace have had the majority of the ball in only one of their four matches in all competitions this season, while Ipswich have had less possession in each of their four games.
Sage believes the key issue will be how Palace use the ball and respond when they lose it. He described Ipswich as one of the league’s strongest teams in terms of intensity and warned that their ability to attack at speed would need to be controlled. Palace, he added, must be ready to counter-press and maintain their defensive structure when they have possession.
The manager also acknowledged that his team still need to develop greater confidence in their style of play. Although Palace’s victories over Fulham and Middlesbrough have provided encouragement, Sage said the work to improve the team’s performances continues in every training session. He wants the squad to enjoy winning while also building on their current level, with the aim of claiming more than two victories.
Ben Chilwell has quickly made an impact since returning to Palace. The defender scored the winner with his first touch after coming off the bench against Fulham, then supplied a precise cross for Jørgen Strand Larsen to score Palace’s second goal in the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Middlesbrough.
Sage said Chilwell’s understanding of the club, the Premier League and the dressing room had been important in the decision to bring him back. He also praised the player’s team-first mentality and leadership, describing those qualities as valuable for a Palace group that needs more guidance in that area. Sage believes Chilwell has the ability to perform consistently and suggested that a return to England contention could be an ambition for the defender, although he said he had not discussed that subject with him.
