Pierre Sage is under close scrutiny at Crystal Palace after a run of poor results, most recently a 5-0 defeat by Brighton on Sunday. The Frenchman, who succeeded Oliver Glasner, has won just two of his opening seven Premier League games in charge, and his side has conceded 17 goals, the most in the league.
There is some sympathy behind the scenes at Selhurst Park, where injuries and the absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, both linked to a desire to leave the club, have hurt the start of his reign. Chairman Steve Parish is not known for acting on impulse, and he resisted pressure to act when Glasner criticised the board after Marc Guehi was sold to Manchester City in January. However, further poor results in crucial games against Besiktas and Newcastle could force a decision. Some figures close to the club believe his tenure will end once a replacement is found, though Palace have already struggled in the managerial market after failing to appoint Andoni Iraola.
Sage may point to the breakup of the squad that won the FA Cup in 2025 and the Europa Conference League last season. Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Maxence Lacroix, Daniel Munoz and Guehi have all left since the summer of 2024, and the departure of sporting director Dougie Freedman in 2025 has also been felt. Matt Hobbs, Freedman's replacement, is also under the spotlight.
Still, the defensive problems are partly of Sage's own making. Palace were built on defensive stability, yet they are conceding close to 2.5 goals per game, a level that has raised major concern among the club's powerbrokers. Club insiders also see Sage's system as a major factor, while UEFA financial rules have limited the club's transfer options. The 47-year-old is clearly facing a fight to keep his job.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing