Crystal Palace have been linked with a possible managerial change, with Rob Edwards reportedly among the contenders if Pierre Sage’s difficult start continues.
Sage only arrived at Selhurst Park in June after leaving Lens, but his first few weeks in the Premier League have not been smooth.
Crystal Palace have lost three of their first four league games, including a 3-2 defeat at home to Ipswich Town, and currently have the worst defensive record in the division with 11 goals conceded.
A poor start inevitably increased the focus on the Frenchman.
Edwards in battle with Crystal Palace over whether to make changes
according to Football InsiderIf Sage is sacked, Rob Edwards is expected to become the next Crystal Palace manager.
A big factor is Edwards’ relationship with Crystal Palace sporting director Matt Hobbs. The pair have known each other since their days at Wolves and Hobbs is said to be an admirer of the former Luton boss.
Edwards is also attracting interest from elsewhere, with Birmingham City reportedly monitoring him, while Chris Davies is facing pressure of his own.
Speculation surrounding Sage has intensified amid reports of internal unrest.
Football Insider claims that several Crystal Palace players have expressed concerns about his training methods, while other reports highlight his decision to publicly criticize and drop senior players such as Evan Gerson, Dwight McNeil and Jeddy Canwart.
The palace should be careful not to panic
It’s certainly been a disappointing start for Palace, but sacking Sage after just a few games would be an extremely drastic decision.
There are mitigating circumstances. He inherits a team that has endured significant summer changes, including the loss of Maxence Lacroix, while Palace have signed 11 new players and have several key figures disrupted by injury or transfer uncertainty.
That said, the defensive numbers are hard to ignore. Conceding 11 goals in four league games is unsustainableLosing the first two home games of the season for the first time since 2018 only adds to the pressure.
Edwards represents a very different option. He knows English football well, has experience of working with limited resources and already has a good relationship with Hobbs.
For now, Palace seems to be giving Sage time. But if results don’t improve quickly, having an available and familiar alternative like Edwards could make things increasingly uncomfortable behind the scenes.
Crystal Palace make Pierre Sage decision after tough start to Premier League campaign