Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson has thrown his full support behind manager Pierre Sage ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie with Hoffenheim. Henderson, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, called for patience and unity as the club seeks to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone.

"There is a lot of faith around the group," Henderson said. "It is all about togetherness in times like these. I'm sure we will come out the other end of it." The goalkeeper, who is waiting to make his first European appearance of the season after an ankle injury, described Sage as a brilliant manager with an exciting style of play. He acknowledged that new coaching staff need time to implement their ideas and that results have not been instant.

Relegation zone pressure

Henderson's public backing comes at a critical moment. Crystal Palace sit 18th in the Premier League with just seven points from nine matches, having won only two games and lost six. Their goal difference of minus twelve is among the worst in the division, having conceded 21 times. The team's recent form shows one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five league outings, a sequence that includes a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham last Friday.

"We are full of confidence we will turn things around, sooner rather than later," Henderson stated. "We just need to take the rough with the smooth, and hopefully we will be laughing about times like this in a few months time." He stressed that the responsibility lies with the players to execute the manager's plans on the pitch, adding that a significant victory could build the confidence needed to spark a revival.

Looking ahead

The immediate focus is Thursday's Europa League group stage match against Hoffenheim at Selhurst Park, kicking off at 17:45 GMT. Following that, a daunting Premier League fixture awaits on Sunday as fifth-placed Liverpool visit south London. Henderson said the squad is approaching the upcoming run of games with optimism, encouraged by their work in training this week. The captain's return from a nine-game injury absence is a timely boost for a squad looking to stabilise. Henderson's message was clear: the group remains united behind their manager as they work to climb the standings.