Pierre Sage is under growing pressure at Crystal Palace and could become the first Premier League manager sacked this season after an embarrassing 5-0 defeat against rivals Brighton. 

Palace chiefs have raised concerns about Sage’s defensive approach for several weeks and considered sacking him in September but a goalless draw against Leeds bought him more time.

However, the backline continues to ring alarm bells at Selhurst Park, leaving Sage’s position at risk.

Palace have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 17 goals in seven Premier League games.

The French coach is also understood to have a strained relationship with key decision-makers, who doubt his defensive methods. 

The Daily Mail previously reported that his decision to bench Jaydee Canvot after a bad game irked chairman Steve Parish.

Speaking after Palace’s 5-0 defeat at Brighton, Sage was unsure whether he would be given more time in the job. 

‘I don’t know,’ Sage said when asked if he would keep his job. ‘I just want to apologise to the fans because it’s not normal to show this face for this club against this other club and we are not at the level we expected.

‘I am really sorry for that because I know how important it is for them. We didn’t show that today. It was really important for us too. We didn’t understand in which context this game was played. 

‘I will always give my best. When we lose, I’m really frustrated, but I always take the lesson and try to change things. But it’s the same when I win because I know we can improve.

‘I don’t want to accept the level of the moment if we can do better. Today the work is really important to do and I will do it. It’s my job and I like to change this kind of thing.’