Sage insists Sarr needs time to ‘digest’ failed Liverpool move
Pierre Sage insisted Ismaila Sarr needs time to “digest” his failed move to Liverpool and revealed that Jean-Philippe Mateta will be out for at least three weeks.
Sarr and Mateta have both been linked with moves away from the club this summer, and are currently both injured.
The winger has not played this season because of a hip injury, while the French forward has been out with a hamstring injury. Sage gave an update on both players.
“Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that,” he said on Sarr. “He needs time too. First of all he needs to recover because he was and is injured. He is our player and we are happy with that.
“Sarr has to digest it for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club [Liverpool]. He had a good opportunity but in the end it didn’t work. If he wants to continue, you have to have a good season with us as he did last year. We know he needs time”
“Mateta cannot play. As I said last time, Mateta is injured, now for three weeks,” he added.
“Everyone else [is ok] apart from our long-term injuries; Chadi [Riad] and [JP] Mateta, every other player has recovered well.”
Crystal Palace tried to hijack Sunderland’s deal with Lyon for winger Malick Fofana in the final days of the window, but were unable to do so, with the Frenchman joining the side from the north-east for £30 million.
Sage explained what happened in final hours of the transfer window.
“It depended on the minute of the day, it changed a lot,” he said. I am really proud and happy with the club, we fought a lot. Sometimes you cannot give more. We gave our best. At the end of the day the player chose his criteria and I wish him and them the best because he’s a good guy and a good player.
“You have a special relationship with previous players but now I have to respect the fact he is not with us. I have to respect his decision.”
The Palace boss was also asked whether Fofana explained why he chose to join Sunderland this summer.
“No, he just gave me his answer late in the evening. It’s not important to know,” he answered.
