Good news for Newcastle as Pierre Sage looks set for reprieve at Crystal Palace

Newcastle United could be handed a potential boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace, with reports suggesting their under-fire manager Pierre Sage is set to remain in charge for now.

According to The Athletic, Palace are not expected to make an immediate managerial change despite Sunday’s humiliating 5-0 defeat to Brighton, although Sage’s position remains under serious scrutiny.

Sage stay good news for Newcastle?

Palace were 3-0 down inside the opening 10 minutes at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, suffering a damaging defeat against their fiercest rivals and raising further questions about Sage’s future.

However, despite the pressure mounting on the Frenchman, The Athletic reports that Palace are prepared to give him more time to turn things around.

Sage is expected to take charge of the club’s upcoming fixtures this week, meaning he should still be in the dugout when Newcastle travel to Selhurst Park this Sunday.

That may come as a relief to Newcastle supporters who feared Palace could sack their manager this week and appoint a new boss ahead of the game, potentially giving the Eagles a new-manager bounce.

It is a significant fixture for Matthias Jaissle, too, with Newcastle desperate for a response after back-to-back 4-1 away defeats against Leeds United and Coventry City, followed by Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa.

Three concerning defeats in our last four have left plenty of questions hanging over Jaissle, and Sunday’s trip to south London is becoming an increasingly important game for a manager who needs results.

Besiktas trip gives Newcastle nowhere to hide

Before facing Newcastle, Palace must travel to Turkey to take on Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday night.

It is a demanding fixture, both in terms of the opposition and the travelling involved, leaving Sage with little time to regroup after the Brighton humiliation before another difficult test.

That could work in our favour, particularly if Palace arrive at the weekend low on confidence and carrying the physical demands of a European away trip.

However, we cannot afford to rely on their opponents’ problems. Palace may be struggling defensively, but if the team produces another performance lacking intensity, quality, cohesion and resilience, we risk yet another miserable away day. 

After the defeats at Leeds and Coventry, followed by the Villa loss at St James’ Park, there is nowhere left to hide for Newcastle. 

Things must improve, Jaissle must adapt and the players must pull their fingers out.