It has been another busy day around Crystal Palace, with Pierre Sage at the centre of the latest talking points. The Eagles’ recent form, questions around the dressing room, Tyrick Mitchell’s contract situation and a series of international stories have all featured, while Chris Richards has also discussed the growing presence of American players in English football.
Sage urged to be given time
Crystal Palace have been urged to remain patient with Pierre Sage after a difficult start to the Premier League season. The Eagles have lost just one of their last five matches across all competitions, picking up results against Fulham, Middlesbrough, Lech Poznan and Leeds. Suggestions of dressing-room discontent have continued to circulate, but former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Sage is laying foundations at Palace. Brown said the manager needs time to get his ideas across on and off the pitch and that he is not seeing signs that the players are against him. He also pointed to the draw with Leeds and warned that dismissing Sage now would be a rash decision.
Read the full Pierre Sage dressing-room story
Richards on American influence
Chris Richards has praised the growing number of American players moving to the Premier League and Championship, saying English football is increasingly tapping into the United States talent pool. He was speaking while training with the USMNT alongside Palace teammate Zavier Gozo, who joined from Real Salt Lake in the summer. Richards highlighted the increasing visibility and respect for American players in England, while Gozo is now enjoying his first senior USA opportunity at 19.
Read the full Chris Richards story
Mitchell contract talks gather pace
Palace are stepping up efforts to secure Tyrick Mitchell’s long-term future. His current contract is due to expire at the end of the season, although the club have an option to extend it by another year. Mitchell has attracted interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, with Manchester United and Liverpool among those monitoring his situation. Despite Ben Chilwell’s arrival, Mitchell remains a regular starter and has made 250 appearances for Palace since his debut in 2020. The club are now pushing ahead with negotiations.
Read the full Tyrick Mitchell contract story
Crystal Palace International round-up
Several Palace players have been involved during the international break. Daichi Kamada played the second half as Japan beat Uruguay 3-1, while Zavier Gozo made his senior USA debut in a 4-1 win over Peru. Quinten Timber started for the Netherlands in their 1-1 draw with Germany before being replaced after 57 minutes. Jorgen Strand Larsen, Yeremy Pino and Honest Ahanor were unused substitutes, while Jaydee Canvot played the full 90 minutes for France Under-21s. Ismaila Sarr missed Senegal’s draw with Mozambique, and Dario Osorio played 76 minutes in Chile’s 1-0 defeat to Canada.
Read the full Crystal Palace international round-up
Sage explains his coaching philosophy
Sage has identified his methodology of training as his biggest strength. He explained that he has always loved working on the training pitch, including changing the training methodology when he became Lyon’s academy director. His interim spell with Lyon initially began as a two-match role but was extended as results and performances improved. Lyon eventually finished in the Europa League qualification places and reached the cup final. Sage also stressed the importance of belief as he looks to shape Crystal Palace.
Read the full Pierre Sage coaching philosophy story
Timber criticised after Netherlands draw
Quinten Timber has faced criticism following the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Germany. The Palace midfielder started alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders but was withdrawn before the hour mark. Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen criticised Timber’s display and called him the “worst Dutchman” against Germany, while questioning how effectively he used his energy and describing the build-up as too slow.
Read the full Quinten Timber story
Sage embraces Palace challenge
The Palace manager has said he is ready to embrace the pressure that comes with managing the club. Sage described the role as a big challenge but also an opportunity to achieve something special. He also explained that becoming a coach in France was difficult because he was not a professional footballer, leading him to seek opportunities in Spain, Switzerland and Portugal. He believes those experiences gave him confidence, and he now wants to give the Palace players the best possible session every day.
Read the full Pierre Sage challenge story
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