Pierre Sage believes the pressure surrounding Crystal Palace can ultimately make him a better coach, with his side looking to revive their Premier League campaign against Tottenham.
Palace are 17th with seven points after a difficult opening to the season. They have suffered consecutive league defeats without scoring, losing 5-0 to Brighton and 2-0 to Newcastle United, while conceding 19 goals in total — the highest figure in the division and their worst tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1980-81.
A 1-0 victory over Fulham in midweek lifted the mood, sending Palace into the EFL Cup quarter-finals. Sage described the Tottenham fixture as being like a final after that result and said the current circumstances had forced him to reassess his methods, adapt his decisions and find solutions he had not previously anticipated.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sage acknowledged that results remain the priority but said the situation could provide a positive opportunity for his own development, as well as helping the players and team improve. Palace will hope the cup victory can provide momentum in the league.
The recent head-to-head record offers some encouragement. Palace have won three of their last four Premier League meetings with Tottenham, and Spurs have lost their last two home league games against them after previously winning nine in a row. Jorgen Strand Larsen has scored three times in four Premier League appearances against Tottenham, with each goal either an equaliser or a winner.
