Soccer
Pierre Sage demands improvement from Palace despite fightback earning first win
Pierre Sage was relieved Crystal Palace were ultimately gifted a “free lesson” after Ben Chilwell’s goal secured a 3-2 comeback win in a topsy-turvy contest at Fulham.
It was a first Premier League win for the former Lyon and Lens boss, who nevertheless insisted he did not feel any weight had been lifted from his shoulders and graded his side’s first-half mindset as “really low”.
Fulham’s goals came courtesy of Josh King and Cesar Palacios, cancelled out by a Tyrick Mitchell double, before substitute Chilwell started his second spell as an Eagle with a 77th-minute winner, three minutes after his introduction.
“I have to accept the story of today because that was the context of the game,” said Sage when asked about the openness of the match.
“But I have to change things and to improve the way of defending with the players, because we were too open in the first half and not very well-coordinated.
“That’s why they scored the second goal especially, but they had a lot of opportunities, and we took the first goal after a mistake in the build-up and we have to improve that too.
“That’s why today the lesson is free, because we won, but we are aware of the conditions of this victory.”
Sage revealed he singled out two players in particular – Jaydee Canvot and Chris Richards – during the break, demanding they raise their level in the second half.
“We want to keep the spirit (of the win),” he added. “But we are aware of our performance, especially in the first half, because the mindset of the team was really low and we changed things in the second half.
“In the end we came back twice and it was a good thing, because we need confidence and points to work more and more with less pressure. That’s why it was really important to win today.”
Alvaro Arbeloa is still in search of his first points as Fulham head coach following three straight losses.
Some sections of fans booed as their side walked off the Craven Cottage pitch following the frustrating defeat.
Asked if more patience was required, Arbeloa replied: “For sure. Three games, three losses, so it’s difficult, and now you are thinking that we have to go to Anfield, Manchester United is coming to Craven Cottage, so you can see two very difficult games.
“Also in the Carabao Cup we have to go face West Ham United, so not easy, but we knew this month it was going to be a very tough month.
“But I told my players this month, this month will not define our entire season. I think they are working so hard, they are giving everything they have, and with this mentality, with this character, I am sure that win will come.”
