Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish Backs Manager Pierre Sage
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has publicly backed manager Pierre Sage despite a mixed start to the season following Oliver Glasner's departure.
Crystal Palace Backs Pierre Sage Amid Slow Start
When Pierre Sage arrived at Crystal Palace in the summer, the expectations awaiting him were exceptionally high. Oliver Glasner had departed after a historic tenure that saw the club win the FA Cup and the Conference League, while the French manager arrived following a successful stint at Lens with the aim of maintaining that momentum.
Among the significant early moves under Sage was the signing of Anan Khalaili, and just a few weeks later, Daniel Munoz was sold to Nottingham Forest, reuniting with Glasner. However, after just five Premier League matchdays, during which Palace recorded only one victory, reports and murmurs began to surface regarding dissatisfaction with Sage's work.
Now, the French manager has received public backing from club chairman Steve Parish. In an interview with The Athletic, Parish addressed the start of the season, noting that alongside the four points from the first five Premier League games, Palace also won in the League Cup and the Europa League. Overall, Sage's record after seven matches stands at three wins, three losses, and a draw.
"After seven games, a record of three wins, three losses, and a draw is by no means a bad start," Parish said. "Considering everything he has had to deal with, he has done a very good job. It takes time to adapt to this league."
Addressing Rumors and Tactical Shifts
These comments also come against the background of reports regarding tension surrounding the management of certain players, including Chadi Riad, but Parish dismissed the claims. "I cannot control rumors or what is written in the media. We remain true to ourselves and focused on working together to advance the club and have a good season. We are all moving in the same direction and pressing forward."
Parish also expressed satisfaction with the team's tactical direction under Sage. "You can see that the players are enjoying it," he said. "The formation remains the same, but the style of play has changed a lot, and that takes time to adapt to. Pierre and his staff are learning the strengths and weaknesses of the players on the job, and you can see things progressing. I hope this continues. There is a new manager here, a difficult summer in terms of preparations, and many new players, and Pierre and his staff have done an exceptional job so far."
