Sage: Win, don't sightseeing at Palace

Sage's first Premier League game ended in defeat, a result that visibly irked the Frenchman. "I'm not here in an attraction park," he told Sky Sports ahead of Friday's visit from Manchester City. "I'm here to win games."

The 45-year-old, who steered Lens to second place in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France last season, acknowledged Palace's first-half performance against Everton was solid. The second-half capitulation, however, left him wanting consistency. "It's difficult when you know you are able to do it and you don't do it for the duration of the game," he reflected.

Sage's appointment drew comparisons to predecessor Oliver Glasner—similarities Sage doesn't shy from but refuses to be defined by. "The most important thing for me is not to be in line with that. It's to be consistent with the previous manager, but in my way," he said.

His managerial journey has spanned various roles: academy coach, technical director, and assistant. That background, he believes, equipped him for Premier League life. "When I was an assistant, I understood the training process, but I also understood how to manage the guys," Sage explained, emphasising the importance of watching games and staying connected to every department.

The City clash will pit Sage against former Lyon player Rayan Cherki. Sage praised his ex-charge's ability but drew a line: "I wish him the best, but not really for this game."