Football Daily | Taking a brief minute to remember Pierre Sage’s impact at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have parted company with manager Pierre Sage after his ideas failed to translate into stronger performances, with his departure receiving only a brief announcement. The article argues that injuries, suspensions and poor transfer dealings hindered him, but Palace’s style and results also fell short.

Sage had been named Ligue 1 coach of the year six months earlier, and his Lens side ranked third in possession in France. At Palace, the team averaged 43.2% possession, had the league’s lowest pressing-sequence figures, and turned high turnovers into just eight shots and no goals; they also recorded 24 through-balls and 23 offsides.