Pierre Sage has been told to become more ruthless at Crystal Palace amid pressure over his job grows.
French football expert Julien Laurens questions whether the Eagles boss is too nice for the demands of the Premier League.
Crystal Palace have collected just seven points from eight league games since Pierre Sage replaced Oliver Glasner.
Their recent results have added to the pressure, with a defeat to Lyon followed by a 5-0 thrashing at Brighton before losing to Newcastle United on the weekend.
Pierre Sage needs to be ruthless
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Laurens suggested Sage’s personality could be a problem for Palace as they try to turn results around.
“He’s a lovely guy. He’s maybe a little bit too nice at times,” Laurens said.
He pointed to Palace’s first league win of the season against Fulham as an example.
“Remember when Crystal Palace beat Fulham earlier in the season? That was Palace’s first win of the season and he felt sorry for Fulham.
“You don’t feel sorry in this league. This Premier League is ruthless. It’s the top, top level. This is the best league in the world.
“You can’t feel sorry for the opposition you have just beaten, especially when this is your first win and you needed it badly.
“But this is the kind of guy that he is.”
Sage is in a difficult position at Crystal Palace. The Eagles have lost their opening two league games against Everton and Manchester City, then beat Fulham before suffering a home defeat to newly promoted Ipswich. A goalless draw at Leeds and a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest followed, but they have failed to win since.
Recent defeats against Brighton and Newcastle United have added the pressure on Pierre Sage, with Kieran Mckenna one of the leading names thought to replace him.
Palace boss insists he has the club’s backing
Palace have conceded 19 goals in eight league matches, leaving them with the worst defensive record in the Premier League.
Sage, however, believes he still has the support of the club’s board. Asked about that backing, he replied:
“I think, yeah.
“The question is, do you think? And my reply is, yes, I think.”
Palace and Sage need results to come by quick if he is to survive in the Premier League. They face Fulham next in the EFL Cup before facing Tottenham in the Premier League on the weekend.
Comments.
Loading comments…