Pierre Sage facing questions over Crystal Palace tactics amid sack pressure

Pierre Sage’s future at Crystal Palace is under massive scrutiny after Sunday’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton. Crystal Palace is backing Sage publicly, but they are looking at possible options if they decide to make a change.

Pierre Sage has won only two Premier League games since taking charge, against Fulham and Nottingham Forest. Losing 3-2 to Lyon in midweek before being thrashed by Brighton has made his position more difficult, with Crystal Palace now preparing for Thursday’s Europa League trip to Besiktas.

Crystal Palace tactics under Sage in question

According to L’Equipe, there are concerns within the club about Crystal Palace tactics under Pierre Sage and how he wants his team to play. His more attacking approach differs from the counter-attacking football that brought success under Oliver Glasner.

That change has not been welcomed at Palace. Sage reportedly wanted new players who could better suit his system, particularly defenders with the pace to handle his demands. However, the transfer window did not provide everything he wanted, leaving him to work with the squad already in place.

The report also points to differences between Sage and Glasner in their personalities and approach to the game. Those differences are said to have unsettled some players as they adjust to the new manager’s ideas.

Besiktas trip gives Sage little room for error

Sage arrived at Selhurst Park after an impressive spell at Lens, but his early results in England have been disappointing. Palace have struggled for consistency, and the back-to-back defeats against Lyon and Brighton have increased the pressure.

The Frenchman now needs to find a way to get his team performing again. Thursday’s trip to Besiktas is the next hurdle, although Palace will need to show a much better defensive display after conceding five goals in the recent derby loss to Brighton.

There is no confirmed decision on Sage’s future yet. But with questions being raised over both results and playing style, the manager has work to do to convince those around the club that his approach can deliver results.