“Oliver Glasner did remarkable work, and now it’s my turn to match it,” Pierre Sage said after taking over the coach who won the FA Cup, a European trophy and the Community Shield in two seasons at Selhurst Park.
Just four months into a three‑year deal, the Frenchman already feels the heat after a fifth loss in eight league games leaves the Eagles hovering in the bottom four.
Palace haven’t won in their last four outings, and the 2‑0 home defeat to Newcastle on Sunday was met with boos from supporters who had hoped for a spark after last weekend’s 5‑0 drubbing by rivals Brighton.
“There’s no noise inside the club,” Sage replied when asked about his future during the post‑match press conference.
“The boos are understandable – we haven’t delivered a result.”
“The clamor reflects the team’s performance, and right now we’re falling short of expectations.”
“Internally we’re laser‑focused on solutions: improving, creating conditions to compete, and continuing our work. There’s no distraction inside.”
When pressed about the home‑crowd’s boos at full‑time, Sage admitted the reaction was inevitable after a winless spell.
“Fans lose patience when we lose; everyone wants victories. Today we simply didn’t provide them.”
Sage earned Ligue 1 Manager of the Year after guiding Lens to a second‑place finish and a French Cup win.
But is his tenure already on borrowed time at 47?
He adopted a defiant tone, fielding questions about his future for a solid 20 minutes.
“I don’t need to convince the board; I just have to get the players to give their best and keep improving,” he said when pressed further.
“Ultimately, those decisions belong to the chairman and the owners.”
“To me, the chatter around the club is just noise.”
Palace have amassed only seven points from their first eight league matches since Glasner’s departure.
They kept a clean sheet in a 0‑0 draw at Leeds before overturning a deficit to beat Nottingham Forest at Selhurst on 11 October.
That victory remains their last win.
Since then they’ve fallen to Lyon in the Europa League, lost to Brighton, and drawn 2‑2 with Besiktas in Istanbul on Thursday.
Patience is clearly wearing thin after supporters reacted to the latest Newcastle loss.
Moreover, Palace now possess the league’s worst defensive record, having conceded 19 goals in eight games.
Their next league test is at Tottenham next Saturday, followed by a home clash with Liverpool on 8 November before the international break.
Palace return on 21 November against fellow strugglers Coventry City.
Will Sage still be at the helm then?
French football analyst Julien Laurens warned that Sage must adopt a harsher approach.
“He’s a pleasant guy, perhaps a touch too nice at times,” Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Remember when Palace beat Fulham earlier this season? It was our first win and he seemed to feel sorry for them.”
“You don’t feel sympathy in this league. The Premier League is ruthless – it’s the top tier, the best league worldwide.”
“Showing compassion to an opponent you just beat, especially when you desperately needed that win, simply isn’t the Premier League mindset.”
“But that’s the kind of person he is.”
Sage’s Lens side thrived on aggressive pressing and swift attacks once possession was won.
Opta data highlighted a team eager to win the ball high up the pitch.
Lens recorded 426 high turnovers in the 2025‑26 campaign, often turning them into chances – 69 shots and seven goals.
Palace, by contrast, appear to be sputtering under Sage’s guidance.
“He needs to tweak his methods a bit,” Laurens added. “Pressure is everywhere in the Premier League.”
Former Manchester United and England striker Dion Dublin said Sage must become tougher to secure a long‑term future at Palace.
“Being nice won’t cut it,” Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“In this league, kindness won’t stop defeats or sackings.”
Former Leeds United forward Lucy Ward told 5 Live: “He proved himself at Lyon and Lens; excessive niceness won’t help.” Will Palace’s board give him more time?