Pierre Sage’s Palace in-tray: assess squad and show there is life after Glasner | OneFootball

Pierre Sage begins work at Crystal Palace this week, inheriting a settled squad and Europa League commitments after last season’s Conference League win. He must lift a 15th-place Premier League finish and manage life after Oliver Glasner.

As reported by NY Times, he succeeds a predecessor who delivered the FA Cup and Community Shield. Recruitment and potential departures will quickly test his judgement.

Sage’s approach echoes elements of Glasner’s but with tweaks, including moving attacks wider earlier in the build-up. Paddy McCarthy’s knowledge should help, and the Como Cup offers early trials.

He must decide what translates from Lyon and Lens, then where to strengthen within budget. Depth is vital after a 14-game European run, and the Europa League adds two more league phase fixtures.

Loan returns need coordination with academy staff, sporting director Matt Hobbs and chairman Steve Parish. Matheus Franca could offer a No 10 option, while Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and David Ozoh look likelier to move on.

Two players in demand are Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton. If asking prices are met, they will need to be sold to fund rebuilding and comply with Squad Cost Ratio rules.

Mateta has one year left and no sign of new terms, though Sage could try to keep him for Europa. For Wharton, another strong season could speed development before an eventual sale, with next summer likely to suit all parties.

Succeeding a trophy-laden era is daunting, but Sage will add his own imprint. A deeper Europa run and a higher league finish, while avoiding struggles against low blocks, would help win over supporters.

Source: NY Times