Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has already proven he is no soft touch. Fresh off securing his first win at the helm with a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Fulham at Craven Cottage, the Frenchman has opened up on the hardline decisions dominating his early tenure in south London explaining the high-profile omissions of Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil, the value of Ben Chilwell, and Cheick Doucouré’s emotional return.
The Logic Behind the Omissions
There were notable alterations to Palace’s starting XI at Craven Cottage, but it was the glaring absences from the substitute bench that set tongues wagging. Both Guessand and McNeil were left out entirely, arriving hot on the heels of Guessand being omitted from Palace’s official Europa League squad.
The double snub instantly sparked speculation over their futures, with some supporters questioning whether Sage simply fancied other options. However, speaking before Palace’s subsequent fixtures, the former RC Lens boss pulled no punches in explaining the sporting rationale behind his call.
“I was not happy with their performances when they came on the pitch against Manchester City, it’s my decision, a sporting decision, and sometimes players have to be shaken to come back and to regain their level.”
Sage has demonstrated a relentless streak early on, making it clear that standards are non-negotiable. Yet, the manager insists the door remains wide open for redemption.
“It’s only one game, now with few games everybody is excited with the situation, they need to take the information to change things in training because they have the opportunity to show every week, and maybe they will come back with us on Tuesday.”
Asked specifically about Guessand’s reaction to missing the European cut alongside his domestic omission, Sage admitted that tough conversations come with the territory.
“[He] was unhappy, but you know my world sometimes is difficult because I want to give happiness to everybody but I cannot. Everyday I make some choices and eleven are happy and a lot are unhappy but it’s like this, the game after it’s different and we have to evaluate this kind of thing all season.”
Setting Standards and Avoiding Heavy Rotation
Sage also addressed his tactical philosophy, revealing that he shares a similar aversion to excessive squad chopping and changing with his predecessor, Oliver Glasner.
“I’m not really a fan of the big rotations because every time I did that I’m unhappy at the end of the game, not just the result but the lack of coordination,” Sage explained. “At the beginning of the season we have to respect the effort of all players in sessions, it’s maybe the opp for them to show and we have to win this game because we are ambitious in this competition too and that’s not only about rotation, we want to win this game.”
With a bloated squad packed with options, players missing out on matchday squads will inevitably become a recurring theme as Palace navigate multiple fronts.
Ben Chilwell’s Immediate Impact
Amidst the selection drama, Palace received a major boost with the return of Ben Chilwell. Re-joining the club earlier in the week, the full-back made an instant splash, capping off the 3-2 victory at Fulham with a crucial late winner. Sage’s side showed immense character to bounce back twice in west London, and Chilwell’s instant integration underscores the immediate winning pedigree the manager demands from his experienced campaigners.
Doucouré’s Emotional Return to the Fold
While some players fought to regain favour, one popular figure took a massive step forward on a personal level. After a grueling, prolonged battle with injuries that sidelined him for what felt like a lifetime, Cheick Doucouré finally returned to a Palace matchday squad.
Though he did not make it onto the pitch against Fulham, Sage shared a heartwarming insight into the midfielder’s reaction when he was given the news.
“You know when I told him he would be with us, his smile was incredible, I think I gave him one million dollars but it was just to come with us. I love this reaction because that’s for me the start of how we play football, how we love this game, the only thing he wanted is to come back with the team, this was the first step and he will play a little bit on Tuesday for sure.”
For a player who has endured immense physical heartbreak over recent seasons, seeing Doucouré back with the matchday group offers a huge psychological lift. If Sage can carefully manage his reintegration, the midfielder’s return could prove as valuable as any new signing as Palace look to build on their first three points of the campaign.
