Crystal Palace make decision on Pierre Sage's future ahead of Newcastle United clash
Newcastle United next face Crystal Palace, whose manager is under pressure.
Pierre Sage is set to remain in charge of Crystal Palace for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
The former Lyon boss, who succeeded Oliver Glasner as manager at the start of the summer, is under intense pressure after Palace were thumped 5-0 by M23 rivals Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.
The defeat was so damaging that the Frenchman was unable to confirm whether he would be given time to turn things around.
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Palace have conceded 17 goals in the Premier League this season – the most of any team – and sit 14th in the table with two wins, one draw and four defeats from their opening seven matches.
“I don’t know,” Sage said. “I just want to apologise to the fans because it’s not normal to show this face for this club against this other club (in the context of the rivalry), and we are not at the level we expected.
“I am really sorry for that because I know how important it is for them. We didn’t show that today (Sunday). It was really important for us, too. We didn’t understand in which context this game was played.
“I will always give my best. When we lose, I’m really frustrated, but I always take the lesson and try to change things. But it’s the same when I win because I know we can improve.”
Pierre Sage set to remain in charge for Newcastle United clash
While aware of the team’s struggles, various reports suggest the Palace board have no immediate plans to change manager. Sage is therefore expected to remain in charge for Thursday’s Europa League match away at Besiktas and the visit of Newcastle four days later.
Indeed, Sunday’s encounter at Selhurst Park is a huge game for both managers, with Matthias Jaissle facing scrutiny following back-to-back defeats against Coventry City and Aston Villa.
Like Sage, Jaissle was appointed in the summer but has faced questions over whether his ‘vertical football’ style will work in the Premier League, with several underlying statistics counting against him.
Jaissle’s side were unbeaten in their opening three Premier League matches, beating Tottenham Hotspur and drawing with Liverpool and Bournemouth, but have now suffered three defeats in their last four games.