Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has expressed dissatisfaction with the response of loanee Evann Guessand after the player was excluded from the matchday squad. Sage stated that Guessand, on loan from Aston Villa, has not met expectations in training and urged him to follow the example set by teammate Dwight McNeil.
Both Guessand and McNeil were dropped for Crystal Palace's recent 3-2 victory over Fulham. Sage described the decision as a necessary 'shaking' due to their work ethic. While McNeil has since responded positively to the criticism, earning him 15 minutes of playing time in a Carabao Cup win against Middlesbrough, Guessand has reportedly struggled to match the required level. Sage noted that Guessand cited an injury at the end of Tuesday's warm-up as the reason for not entering the field of play and indicated a need for further discussion to find a solution.
"He hasn't responded at the level I expect," Sage said. "I have to speak to him because we need to find a solution. We need to see the best version of him."
Sage recalled Guessand's performances for Nice and Nantes in France, believing the player is capable of more than he has demonstrated at Palace. He contrasted Guessand's current situation with McNeil's, stating that McNeil's recent minutes were an improvement and that his training sessions showed a clear desire to play.
"Dwight's 15 minutes on Tuesday were much better than the minutes against Manchester City and in every session he showed us that he wanted to play. That's a good message and I have received his message," Sage commented.
The manager also discussed Adam Wharton, suggesting the midfielder's slower start to the season is a result of high standards and his own potential to become one of the world's best. Sage has set ambitious objectives for Wharton, pushing him to improve beyond his current level. He expressed confidence in Wharton's ability to develop, citing his intelligence and understanding of the game.
"My main objective with him is to get him a step higher than he is today. That's why maybe he is in a period where things are not stable," Sage explained. "In a few games, it will be better. I had a good conversation with him in pre-season where I set his objectives really high and will push him to reach them."
Sage believes Wharton is in a crucial learning process and has the capacity to be recognized globally for his abilities, emphasizing that there is a gap between his current performance and his full potential.