Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has admitted his position is already uncertain just seven games into the Premier League season. The 47-year-old Frenchman, appointed at Selhurst Park in the summer after Oliver Glasner's contract ended, has overseen a difficult start that has left the Eagles 14th in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone.
Heavy defeat to Brighton adds to pressure
Palace have won only two of their opening seven league games, and the pressure intensified this weekend with a 5-0 defeat to rivals Brighton. Speaking after that match, Sage hinted his job is now in question. Asked if he will be given time to turn things around, he replied: "I don't know."
"We are not at the level we expected, and I'm really sorry for that. I just want to apologise to the fans because it's not normal to show this face," he added.
Sage vows to fight on despite fan frustration
Despite fans walking out early during the heavy loss on the South Coast, Sage has pledged to continue. "I will always give my best. When we lose I'm really frustrated but I always take the lesson and try to change things but it's the same when I win because I know we can improve," he said.
"I don't want to accept the level of the moment if we are able to do better. Today the work is really important to do and I will do it, it's my job and I like to change this kind of thing."
He also accepted responsibility for the defeat, saying: "I understand them, and cannot blame them [the fans]. I am responsible for this team and when the team play as they did today it's not normal, it's my fault, I understand them."
Brighton thriving under Hurzeler
Sage signed a three-year contract with Palace in the summer, having previously managed Lyon and Lens. In contrast, opposite number Fabian Hurzeler has seen Brighton rise to third in the table following another dominant win.
Hurzeler said of his side's start: "They shouldn't look at the table. They should enjoy the night today without a mobile phone, enjoy a beer or something else and enjoy wearing the Seagulls' colours." He added: "I don't look at the table at the moment. So of course, positive results, negative results always create judgments, but in the end we need to focus on our performances and that's the only thing we can control and that's how we manage it."
