'It's really crazy' - Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage pinpoints key Leeds United asset
Pierre Sage has previewed his Crystal Palace side’s trip to Leeds United
Pierre Sage has warned Crystal Palace of the “special atmosphere” they will encounter at Leeds United.
The out-of-sorts Eagles will visit West Yorkshire on Sunday (September 20), desperate for a result after three defeats across their opening four league games.
Leeds, on the other hand, are yet to experience defeat in the Premier League. They were particularly impressive on Monday (September 14), claiming a stylish 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
Pierre Sage’s ‘crazy’ Leeds United claim
Elland Road was a cauldron of hostility for the Magpies and Sage has pointed out the environment Leeds create as something his side must be aware of.
He said: “I know that Leeds are really a good team. I saw them at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, and I saw the game against Newcastle too, and they are really, really good.
“We have to recover, to be fit and in shape to play against them - and why not do what we didn't do against Ipswich?
“We have another context in a special atmosphere, because with the stadium in Leeds and these fans it’s really crazy, and we have to confirm what we did well this evening [Thursday]. We have to do better than we did against Ipswich.
“We have a lot of challenges, but first of all we need to recover, and we need to prepare our game in two days only.”
Crystal Palace team news
Palace will be without first-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson, as well as influential forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Sage said: “Henderson's situation is more certain than Mateta's situation. We will have to wait on both of them. I'll be able to give a better answer in two weeks. I also want a quick answer but I cannot give anything as yet.”
Winger Ismaila Sarr could, however, be in line to start after returning for their 4-0 Europa League win over Lech Poznan on Thursday (September 17).
There were some boos directed towards the 28-year-old, who came close to leaving for Liverpool in the summer.
Sage said: “I know the fans love him and I think he deserves to be loved the way he is. It is always difficult to come back after a long injury, but the most important thing for us was putting him on the pitch and giving him his first minutes.
“He will get better and better with more time out there. He can maybe start, but I don't think he can play the full match.”