Crystal Palace knew Pierre Sage was walking into one of the toughest jobs in the Premier League when he replaced Oliver Glasner.

Glasner left after delivering major trophies and changing expectations at Selhurst Park.

The Frenchman arrived on a three-year contract after an outstanding season with Lens, having guided them to second place in Ligue 1 whilst securing Champions League football and winning the Coupe de France before accepting Palace's offer.

His start in England has been far less comfortable.

Palace opened their league campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Everton. They created opportunities at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but failed to punish their hosts before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry settled the game.

A 4-1 home loss to Man City followed, with Palace staying competitive for an hour, but their energy dropped and Sage made his disappointment clear after watching his substitutes struggle to change the game.

The first signs of progress arrived at Fulham.

Palace came from behind twice at Craven Cottage, with Tyrick Mitchell scoring both equalisers before Ben Chilwell struck late to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.

That result was followed by a convincing 3-0 Carbao Cup win over Middlesbrough, as Jorgen Strand Larsen scored twice and Daichi Kamada added another for Sage to collect successive wins.

Unfortunately for him, the momentum didn't last.

Palace lost 3-2 to Ipswich at Selhurst Park on Saturday after Axel Disasi was sent off during the first half. Anan Khalaili had put the Eagles ahead, while Strand Larsen later dragged 10-man Palace level, but Zian Flemming snatched the points in the dying moments.

It left Sage with two wins and three defeats from his first five games in charge.

Palace have also conceded 11 goals across four league matches, giving their new manager an obvious problem to solve, and there is now another issue developing behind the scenes.

Steve Parish frustrated as Crystal Palace chiefs question Pierre Sage decision

Mail journalist Bobby Manzi now reports that senior figures at Palace were unhappy with Sage's decision to leave Jaydee Canvot out of the squad against Ipswich.

Chairman Steve Parish is said to have been particularly frustrated by the call.

Canvot is considered one of the club's most important young stars, and the board reportedly felt dropping him from the matchday group was the wrong call.

The 20-year-old defender wasn't injured, as Sage explained after the game that his omission was a football decision based on the player's performance at Fulham and his work during the following week.

Sage also confirmed that he had spoken directly to Canvot and wanted a positive response when the squad returned to training.

His message was that every player must meet the standards required to earn selection.

That stance shows the authority Sage wants to establish, but the reported reaction from above creates an early test of relationships inside the club.

There is no suggestion that his position is under any immediate threat. However, Palace appointed Sage to build on recent success, and questions over team selection have surfaced after only five matches.

With Europa League football beginning against Lech Poznan on Thursday, the Frenchman needs results and unity.

How quickly Sage and Canvot move forward could now become almost as important as what happens on the pitch.