Welcome to Selhurst Park for the first time in the 2026/27 season – and welcome to Enzo Maresca, his players and his staff for tonight’s game.
I’d like to start by thanking you all for the warm welcome I have received since joining the club in the summer. Although tonight will be my first experience of a matchday at our home, I have already felt such warmth from everybody associated with the club.
Both supporters and the existing staff have made me and my staff feel at home straight away. Everybody is important across the club and we all need to work together if we are to have a successful season. I want to work in an environment where all of my colleagues – regardless of what department they are working in – have the opportunity to reach their potential.
The players have all responded well to our training methods and I’ve already seen what a talented group they are. We’ve had some players come back late after the World Cup, which is a challenge, but they are quickly picking up the key principles of our style of play.
Whilst we had a disappointing result in our first game of the season at Everton last weekend, I believe we can take the positives from the performance. In football you get games where you deserve a goal but don’t score and this was one of those games.
It was a learning experience, and some mistakes we made proved costly, but I am confident we can correct this going forward. Of course, tonight’s game is a big challenge against a club who have had so much success in recent years. But we also know we have the ability in this group to achieve a positive result.
I know this club has had a winning mentality in recent years and that is something I want to maintain. Manchester City have some top-class players and a quality coach who did very well at Chelsea, so we will respect them.
But we will also fight on the pitch and give everything to get the win. I have already had a taste of your outstanding support in pre season, and then again last week at Everton.
Now I’m really looking forward to walking out to a packed Selhurst Park for the first time and experiencing the atmosphere this club is famous for. It’s a very proud moment for me.
Hopefully I can build a connection with you like so many of my predecessors have enjoyed. Let’s start by making this a special evening back in our home stadium.
Thank you in advance for your support tonight, and throughout the season. I look forward to meeting you all and sharing some great times.
Pierre Sage.
