If Crystal Palace had made the start they have this season under Oliver Glasner, they wouldn't be a story. Apart from the defeat to Ipswich at home, for which they had ten men for over an hour, results have largely gone as expected.
But it's the performances, even in victories, that leave Pierre Sage's future in doubt. Steve Parish is giving Sage the opportunity this week to improve the team, especially from a defensive standpoint, but if that does not improve against Besiktas and Newcastle, it's likely a change will be made.
There have been spells in games where Crystal Palace have played very well, and this is without Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr at full speed. But Sage's team have been too easy to play against. They rarely control the match, and the 17 goals conceded in seven Premier League games this season is the most in the league. Sage has cut a jolly figure with the media since his appointment, but in recent press conferences his frustration and pain have been clear.
The Frenchman also faces another problem: several managers currently out of work. The Palace hierarchy had contrasting views in the summer about the type of head coach best to replace Glasner. They admired Thomas Frank, Gareth Southgate and Domenico Tedesco, all currently available, before hiring Sage. There was strong interest in Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna too, though the former Ipswich boss would cost any club £8m if appointed before June next year. The French Cup win led by Sage was seen as a huge positive, given Palace's recent success in cup competitions.
Fans feel Sage has been dealt a tough hand. Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi have not been replaced adequately, and Axel Disasi, brought in as the new leader of the defence, has been hurt by suspension. Injuries to Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu have meant Sage has named an unchanged back three in all competitions only once. The midfield also needs urgent attention, with Adam Wharton below his best and quick progress needed from Quinten Timber.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing