If Crystal Palace had made the start they have this season under Oliver Glasner, they wouldn’t be a story.
Apart from the defeat to Ipswich at home - for which they had ten men for over an hour - results have largely gone as expected.
But it’s the performances, even in victories, that leaves Pierre Sage’s future in doubt. Steve Parish is giving Sage the opportunity this week to improve the team, especially from a defensive standpoint, but if that does not improve against Besiktas and Newcastle - live on Sky Sports - it’s likely a change will be made.
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There have been spells in games where Crystal Palace have played very well and this is without Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr at full speed.
But Sage’s team have been too easy to play against. They rarely control the match and the 17 goals conceded in seven Premier League games this season is the most in the league.
Sage has cut a jolly figure with the media since his appointment, but in recent press conferences, his frustration and pain has been clear.
And the Frenchman has another problem. Certain managers that are out of work currently.
There were contrasting views in the summer from the Crystal Palace hierarchy about what type of head coach was best to replace Glasner.
They were admirers of Thomas Frank, Gareth Southgate and Domenico Tedesco - all currently available - before hiring Sage. There was strong interest in Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna too. However, the former Ipswich boss will cost any club who wants to hire him £8m if appointed before June next year.
It’s my understanding, that alongside Lens’ second-place finish in Ligue 1, the French Cup win led by Sage was seen as a huge positive given the success Crystal Palace have had in cup competitions of late.
And there is a feeling among the fans that Sage has been dealt a tough hand. Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi haven’t been replaced adequately.
Axel Disasi was brought in as the new leader of the defence and his suspension has hurt Palace. Injuries to Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu have meant Sage has only named an unchanged back three in all competitions once.
Adam Wharton has not been at his best, especially struggling against Brighton. Daichi Kamada has been used further up the field while Ismaila Sarr returns to full fitness. That midfield combination needs to be addressed urgently, with Quinten Timber making a lively start to his time in south London, but perhaps needing to play in a more disciplined fashion while Palace leak goals.
A hamstring injury to Timber may force Kamada to drop deeper and could be a blessing in disguise.
But nevertheless, you play the hand you are dealt, and if Palace continue to play in the same fashion defensively, the fans will lose patience.
Speaking to Timber on Tuesday, he expressed his belief that the manager can turn things around. While there have been reports suggesting that some players are unhappy with Sage's communication, I understand that the majority of the squad remain firmly behind him.
Sage gave up Champions League football to work in the Premier League, but he now finds himself with two games to turn things around.
It isn’t just results that’ll save him. Sage needs to show he’s willing to adapt himself and his team.
