After a 5-0 defeat to Brighton, Pierre Sage apologises to Crystal Palace fans as the Eagles are thrashed
Sage accepts responsibility
Sage described Palace’s display as far below expectations and took responsibility for the defeat. He said the team had started badly and called conceding three goals in nine minutes abnormal.
The French manager, appointed in the summer, said he had provided the motivation and prepared the team. He said he felt shame about how they played.
Apology to Palace supporters
Sage apologised to Palace fans, saying the team had not performed at the level expected. He added that he understood the importance of the result to supporters, but said the players had not shown that it mattered to them.
Asked whether he would be given time to improve Palace’s poor form, Sage replied that he did not know. His record after 10 matches is four wins, one draw and five defeats.
European and league fixtures ahead
Palace have recorded one win and one loss in their two Europa League matches. Their next fixture is a trip to Turkey on Thursday to face Besiktas. The team return to Premier League action on Sunday, hosting Newcastle.
Key points
- Palace lost 5-0 to Brighton, conceding three goals in the opening nine minutes.
- Pierre Sage apologised to supporters and accepted responsibility for the performance.
- Palace have won four, drawn one and lost five of Sage’s 10 games in charge.