Sage issues defiant message as pressure grows following another Crystal Palace loss

Pierre Sage insists he will “never give up” as pressure grows following Crystal Palace’s difficult start to the season.

Ten-man Palace were beaten by Tottenham after Jean-Philippe Mateta had been sent off, but Sage admitted the performance fell short of the standards he expects.

“It was a difficult game 11 v 11 and when we took the red card as well, it’s a more difficult game,” he said.

Asked about Palace’s poor start to the campaign, Sage said: “I’m not comfortable with the situation but it’s a consequence of what we did on the pitch.

“My only action is on the team and on the pitch, that’s why I can’t speak about the situation of the club or my situation because it’s a consequence too of this.

“The only way to change things is on the pitch.

“I told the players I want to be the first one on the pitch on Monday.

“They can trust in me, I will never give up.

“I will give the best session I can do on Monday because now I have the urge to train more because the game I saw this evening is not in line with my conviction.

“I don’t like when we give the incentive too much to the opponent.”

The Palace boss also accepted responsibility for the situation but insisted he remains determined to find a way out of it.

“It’s not for me to decide these things,” Sage said when asked whether he will be given time.

“But if I have one hour, I will give my best. If I have ten years, I will give my best.

“I’m responsible for the situation but I will find a solution for the situation.”