Dean Henderson Throws Full Support Behind Pierre Sage as Palace Pressure Mounts

Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson has publicly backed manager Pierre Sage in the club's most recent press conference.

Henderson made it clear that he is fully behind the French manager as pressure grows on him.

A difficult run of results in October piled the pressure on Sage.

He reportedly faced a 'job-saving' game against Tottenham Hotspur.

The circumstances of that defeat, with Jean-Philippe Mateta dismissed after just 13 minutes, have given Sage extended time.

Other interviews from the likes of Tyrick Mitchell and Quinten Timber in recent weeks have shown that the players are fully on board with the manager.

They are determined to turn results around.

In the pre-match presser ahead of Hoffenheim's visit to Selhurst Park, Dean Henderson was asked about where he sees the club.

More specifically, he was asked where he thinks things need to change under Sage in order for results to improve.

From the outside, it would be easy to assume that, considering how much the players are seeming to struggle to implement his tactics, there may be some unrest amongst the squad in regards to their manager.

However, Henderson, who has missed nine games through injury this season, made it clear his thoughts on the Frenchman.

In the press conference, he called Sage a "brilliant manager."

He said he's "behind him."

To which his manager replied "thank you!"

"It's like anything with new teams, new coaching staff coming in, you don't always see instant results," Henderson said.

"Things don't just gel together straight away, it sometimes takes time."

"My thoughts are, we're just going to keep getting better, stronger and stronger throughout the season."

Palace have had a difficult start to the season, especially in the Premier League where they've won just two games, losing six as well.

But Henderson made it clear that he still holds Sage in high regard, as do his teammates.

"He's a brilliant manager, so [things are] exciting going forward," Henderson said.

There has been a fair amount of critique thrown towards the tactical approach from Palace under Sage.

Many neutrals and pundits have cited the vulnerability from set pieces, along with the number of chances Palace are conceding.

While the issues with set pieces persist, Palace have become slightly better at reducing chances for their opponents.

But there is still much needed improvement.

"Sometimes you've got to have the confidence to play a certain way," Henderson said, though the quote was cut off in the source material.

Palace's Europa League campaign has offered a different story than their Premier League form.

They haven't lost any of their last seven continental games at Selhurst, winning five and drawing two.

They never went a goal down first in any of those games.

Every one of Palace's three Europa League games this season has had more than 3.5 goals.

Hoffenheim, their next opponent, have had a rough time against English sides.

They're 0 from 5 in European games against Premier League clubs.

Away from home in Europe, they've won just one of their last six, with two draws and three losses.

Palace and Hoffenheim have never met in a competitive game, so tonight's Europa League tie at Selhurst Park is a first for both clubs.

Kickoff will be at 5:45 p.m. GMT, 12:45 p.m. ET in the USA.

Crystal Palace will be without Chadi Riad, who is recovering from a long-term knee injury, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has a calf problem.

Ismaïla Sarr is also a doubt with a groin injury.

Hoffenheim have several injury concerns, particularly in defense.

Valentin Gendrey, Robin Hranáč and Albian Hajdari are unavailable, alongside Patrick Wimmer, Nathan De Cat and Bambasé Conté.

Palace's confirmed XI for the match was: Henderson; Canvot, Ahanor, Richards; Mitchell, Kamada, Wharton, Khalaili; Pino, Timer; Mateta.

Hoffenheim's confirmed XI was: Baumann; Rots, Machida, Kabak, Abraha; Asllani, Burger, Avdullahu, Prass; Lemperle, Kramarić.

The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max in the UK.

In the United States, it is available on Paramount+ and ViX.

In Canada, it is on DAZN Canada and fuboTV Canada.

The Premier League season, meanwhile, continues to test Sage and his squad.

Palace have won just two Premier League games this season, losing six.

Their next league match is against Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

The match kicks off at 2pm GMT and will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.

Liverpool are one of the strongest sides in the league this season.

The red card for Mateta against Tottenham was a significant blow.

Crystal Palace appealed the decision.

That appeal was rejected by the FA.

Mateta was dismissed after just 13 minutes in that match.