Sage is sage

[doombear]

I don't know how it will work out with Sage at Palace, but I do appreciate his direct approach in his interviews which is refreshing and a welcome contrast to other managers.

He admits to the problems in our defence in these early games and says when things are evident on the field to everybody watching he's not going to claim that's not the case.
He says the exclusion of McNeil and Guessand is because he's not been impressed by their contribution in training and matches and it's down to them to demonstrate improvement to warrant involvement.

Many managers try to pull the wool over supporters' eyes so I find this approach refreshing .

The big question I suppose is how precious players will respond.
Hopefully it will drive up performance levels and enhance the contribution of individual players rather than them running off to their agents complaining.

On Guessand he notes from observing his football from his time in France that he's capable of much more than he's showing at Palace.
This seems fair enough to me.

Also, once McNeil responded positively, he was given game time off the bench in the next game. In other words Sage wad quick to reward positive reaction. A lesson for Guessand, Sarr and possibly Mateta once he's fit again.

 

[MarkA333]

I find it very strange that he is publicly calling out Guessand while protecting Sarr and Mateta. V strange.

 

[Willo]

Watched a couple of his press conferences now… I am starting to like him. I really hope he works out.

Of course I am of the same mind, I dearly want him to succeed, and I wish him all the very best.
If however we are on a downward spiral and he is unable to arrest a decline, "Sage is sage" could well evolve into "Sage is toast".
I do hope this scenario does not become reality.

 

[park the bus]

I find it very strange that he is publicly calling out Guessand while protecting Sarr and Mateta. V strange.

Not really. Guessand is on loan whilst Mateta and Sarr are signed players who the club might want to move on, and if so, for a hefty sum. Insinuating that they are a problem might put off potential suitors and cause unnecessary internal friction.

 

[MarkA333]

I don’t agree with that. Guessand is playing for us this season just like Disasi, Honest and several others.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

I don’t agree with that. Guessand is playing for us this season just like Disasi, Honest and several others.

Could just be that he's emotionally invested in the club and doesn't like it when he thinks the players aren't.

 

[PatrickA]

We'll get a clearer idea on Sage's thinking around the defence today.
He's shown that selection is about performance and not previous form or reputation.
I would expect Disasi to start today, but the other 2 positions in the back 3 are less certain to me and it wouldn't surprise me to see either Tomiyasu or Ahanor start

 

[MarkA333]

I hope that Disasi, Tomiyasu and Honest start.

 

[OneStevePerrin]

I hope that Disasi, Tomiyasu and Honest start.

I’m not against that but it’s not just the defending by the back 3 that’s been our problem. Those in front of them have given easy balls away which has caused breakaway attacks putting us in danger. Think we need to look at the likes of Pino, Wharton and others who have been losing it to easily?

 

[MarkA333]

I’m not against that but it’s not just the defending by the back 3 that’s been our problem. Those in front of them have given easy balls away which has caused breakaway attacks putting us in danger. Think we need to look at the likes of Pino, Wharton and others who have been losing it to easily?

I agree 100%. There is a scary void in midfield at the moment. Attackers have to attack. But we seem very porous when we lose the ball.

 

[Fleximan]

Agreed and don't think Timber the solution

 

[MarkA333]

What is then? Kamada reads the game well but is not the Roy Keane stiffener we need there. Doucore would have been great but he is still recovering. Hughes and Lerma too slow and not creative. I think we are stuck with Timber. Would have loved to get Sangore who went to Brentford or Camira from Monaco. Apologies for getting their names wrong. I hope Timber settles in because he is what we have to work with.

 

[Willo]

I agree 100%. There is a scary void in midfield at the moment. Attackers have to attack. But we seem very porous when we lose the ball.

We purchased Gozo, Osorio and McNeil who are not central midfielders and perhaps it would have been beneficial if we managed to further strengthen the 'Engine room' with a player akin to Doucoure.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

What is then? Kamada reads the game well but is not the Roy Keane stiffener we need there. Doucore would have been great but he is still recovering. Hughes and Lerma too slow and not creative. I think we are stuck with Timber. Would have loved to get Sangore who went to Brentford or Camira from Monaco. Apologies for getting their names wrong. I hope Timber settles in because he is what we have to work with.

Canvot worth a shot? Carries the ball quite well and would be in his usual position for corners.

 

[doombear]

Far too early IMO to draw conclusions re our newbies. As for Sarr and Mateta v McNeil and Guessand, people are different and good managers recognise this.

• Mc Neil responded positively and was rewarded with minutes,
• Guessand needs to roll his sleeves up or find his PL career rapidly disappearing
• Mateta is genuinely injured so we need to see how he responds once he's fit again
• As for Sarr, I'm inclined to trust that Sage knows how best to handle him so as to get him back and performing.

 

[MarkA333]

This game this afternoon is huge. We absolutely cannot afford to lose it and winning would be huge for our confidence. They have also conceded 8 goals so just as leaky at the back as us. I would like to see a more calm and collective display than the games so far. This team selection is huge.

 

[TheBigToePunt]

I find it very strange that he is publicly calling out Guessand while protecting Sarr and Mateta. V strange.

I'd imagine Sage is very much focussed on work rate (things like running off the ball, pressing, etc) and not particularly interested in whether any particular player might prefer to play somewhere else, so long as they are working hard when here.

He is, after all, a modern coach rather than an old school manager, whatever his job title might be.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

We purchased Gozo, Osorio and McNeil who are not central midfielders and perhaps it would have been beneficial if we managed to further strengthen the 'Engine room' with a player akin to Doucoure.

Doucoure has apparently recovered from his illness so is a possible for the squad today.

 

[johnmcormick8]

I listened to the commentary on the club website last night and watched the highlights this morning. Pleased that JSL scored a brace - good headers too. Kamada's goal was a classic.

From what I heard and saw briefly this morning it would appear we've got some very solid new talent in the squad. And a manager who's got a grip on things. I am heartened by that. We'll be OK lads.

I am hopefully that as a club with a change of manager,the normal churn of players we will remain a premier league club with good cup runs. but you know our Palace strap yourself folks,it bound to be another bumpy ride !

 

[Elphers40]

What! No Deano or Canvot???? Must have caught Doucoure’s illness.

Wharton as Captain- hopefully this will focus his mind and see him improve on his last two performances- where he was uncharacteristically sloppy in giving the ball away.

Lordy Lordy!