Crystal Palace’s French manager Pierre Sage has overseen just two wins from his opening seven league games, while the side has allowed 17 goals, the highest tally in the division at this stage.

The recent 5‑0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday has intensified scrutiny of Sage’s position, making the week ahead pivotal for his future.

Palace’s co‑owner and chairman Steve Parish is known for measured decisions and resisted acting after former boss Oliver Glasner publicly criticised the board over the sale of Marc Guehi earlier in the season.

Injuries and player absences have compounded the manager’s challenges, with striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta and winger Ismaila Sarr unavailable due to fitness concerns and personal issues linked to their desire to leave the club.

Key defensive departures since the summer of 2024—including Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Maxence Lacroix, Daniel Munoz and Marc Guehi—have left the back line thin, forcing the club to start teenagers Jaydee Canvot (20) and Honest Ahanor (18) in the recent Brighton loss.

Financial constraints tied to UEFA’s regulations have limited Palace’s ability to reinforce defensively, prompting the sale of Daniel Munoz to Nottingham Forest for £22 million and reliance on free‑transfer and loan signings such as Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben Chilwell, Oscar Mingueza, Axel Disasi and Ahanor.

With a Europa League tie against Besiktas and a Premier League clash with Newcastle looming, two positive results could restore confidence, while consecutive defeats may prompt Parish to consider a managerial change.