Crystal Palace have lost 'two big players', it's not Pierre Sage's fault

Pierre Sage has been hung out to dry by decisions made behind the scenes at Crystal Palace, sources have told Football Insider.

The Eagles were always prepared for major changes after Oliver Glasner's exit, with multilpe star names also allowed to leave during the summer transfer window.

Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Munoz were the most influential of those exits, and while the latter was replaced with Anan Khalaili, there are concerns about their centre-backs.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Crystal Palace's transfer activity has played a key role in their poor start to the season.

Despite fingers being pointed at Sage, who is now at increasing risk of being sacked, there is a feeling that the board have hung him out to dry with their failings.

The lack of leadership in the back line following Lacroix's exit has become a major concern, with loanees Axel Disasi and Honest Ahanor having struggled so far.

What is the latest on Pierre Sage's future?

Football Insider revealed on 23 October that Sage could be given until the November international break to save his job as Crystal Palace weigh up his future in the role.

Following a 2-2 draw against Besiktas last time out, the Eagles will now face Newcastle at Selhurst Park, where a defeat will pile the pressure on the manager's position.

However, while there is a general acceptance that Sage must shoulder some of the blame for his side's performances, eyes are also on the board for failing to support him.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Pressure is definitely on Pierre Sage, it's been a below-par start to the season for Palace with just two wins in the league.

"The problem has been the amount of goals they've conceded, but you have to have a bit of sympathy for Pierre Sage, because Palace have lost a number of key players.

"Maxence Lacroix was a big loss to them, and Daniel Munoz was a big player allowed to leave Selhurst Park as well, and neither of them have really been replaced properly.

"The board didn't really go out and bring in like-for-like replacements, at centre-back especially, so that has put Sage in a tricky position too.

"It's been a difficult start, but that's not a surprise when he came in to replace a legenadry figure in Oliver Glasner and lost a number of key players as well.

"It's a big game in the Premier League against Newcastle, who have also been a bit up and down as well, so Sage will be hoping for a positive result to ease the pressure."

What are Crystal Palace's January transfer priorities?

Should Sage last until the January transfer window at Crystal Palace, there is a feeling that major additions will be needed to ensure he can turn his side's fortunes around.

As mentioned previously, the board's failings to address key problem positions during the summer means they may now be forced to act when the next window opens.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Crystal Palace must sign at least one new centre-back in January and are being made to pay for their defensive sales.

Alongside Lacroix and Munoz, Marc Guehi was also allowed to move on last January, leaving just Chris Richards and Tyrick Mitchell from their trophy-winning defence.

While Disasi and Ahanor were ultimately identified as their replacements, there are concerns about their abilities, and new additions will be needed in the mid-season window.