Pierre Sage urged his Crystal Palace players to move “higher” during their goalless Como Cup meeting with Famalicão, offering an early indication of the aggressive approach he wants to implement at Selhurst Park.
The instruction could be heard from the touchline when Palace began to retreat during the second of Tuesday’s two 45-minute matches in Italy.
Sage wanted his side to retain a higher defensive line and continue pressing forward. He maintained that demand despite watching Lens exploit Palace’s shape during a 3-0 defeat earlier in the evening.
Pierre Sage instruction underlines tactical demands
Sage has used a back three throughout pre-season, with the wing-backs asked to advance and provide much of the attacking width.
That approach can leave the wide centre-backs defending larger spaces when Palace lose possession. Former Eagles striker Odsonne Édouard scored twice as Lens punished several defensive gaps during the opening fixture.
Palace responded with a more controlled performance against Famalicão. A younger side kept a clean sheet before Remi Matthews helped them win the penalty shootout 5-4.
ReadCrystalPalace’s Como Cup preview outlined how Sage could use almost two separate teams across the unusual format. It also identified greater composure during the build-up as an area requiring improvement.
The system places considerable physical demands on Palace’s wing-backs. Daniel Muñoz possesses the pace and stamina required on the right, but Sage must identify suitable alternatives throughout his squad.
Rio Cardines started both matches and found the role difficult at times. We Are Palace’s player ratings also noted that the youngster struggled to recover after advancing high up the pitch.
Sage’s touchline instruction suggests he will not abandon his approach after early defensive problems. Palace will instead work on improving their positioning and reactions when possession changes hands.
