Pierre Sage apologises after Crystal Palace's 0-5 collapse at Brighton

"It's my fault because I am the coach," Pierre Sage said after Crystal Palace's 0-5 defeat to Brighton at the Amex on 18 October 2026. Palace were three goals down inside nine minutes, and Sage said he does not know whether he will get time to put it right. It was a blunt response to a terrible afternoon in the Brighton vs Crystal Palace game.

Sage's apology and uncertainty

Sage was only appointed Crystal Palace manager in the summer, which makes the pressure on him immediate rather than hypothetical. He told BBC Sport: "I prepare the team, that is why I am responsible of what's happened on the pitch. I have a lot of work to do because I have to change this kind of thing."

He also added: "I don't know." That came when he was asked whether he would be given time to address the damage, and it leaves Palace with an awkward decision after a start that has already produced seven points from seven league games.

Palace's defensive damage

The early collapse was the standout part of the damage. Brighton scored three times by the 10th minute, and Palace never recovered from that opening burst.

The wider issue is not hard to miss either. Palace have conceded 17 Premier League goals, the most in the top flight, and their league record now stands at 2 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses. Sage's apology matters because it came from a manager who has already spent the summer trying to settle the side, and this defeat has only intensified the scrutiny around him.