Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer calls for calm amid speculation over his future
Friday 8 September 2017 22:37, UK
Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer insists he needs more time at Selhurst Park amid pressure over his future.
The Dutchman has led Palace to three consecutive defeats in the Premier League since the start of the campaign, a run which sees the team sit 19th without scoring a goal.
It's a spell which forced chairman Steve Parish to admit the start had "not been great", reiterating it was a results-based business.
However, De Boer - who will take his side to Burnley on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League - is not concerned with his relationship with Parish, insisting his time at Palace is not a one-day project.
"I have always had serious conversations with Steve. Normally we are always scheduled for one day in the week to come together about what is happening at the club and how we can improve," De Boer said.
"We did it also after every game and also after Swansea. I'm not so concerned about it, I think we have a very good relationship.
"There was only one meeting with him, of two hours, and I always make time for the chairman, to inform him how it's going and to have a good relationship with him.
"The tone was like always: we are very critical to each other, but what we discuss always stays inside. It's always fair, and at the end, when we leave, we have only one thought.
"We know also that this is not a one-day project. It is for the long-term so everybody knows you cannot expect suddenly that we are going to win every game."
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Despite Palace's lacklustre start, De Boer is confident the Eagles will turn their form around as long as they improve their confidence and self-belief, though he claims patience will be the key.
"It always takes time. You don't have to panic suddenly, everybody wants the points - you also have to know what is going on here," the Dutchman added.
"We think we are doing it the right way. Steve knows that the board knows that and we are not getting sentimental. We continue what we believe in."
De Boer confirmed Deadline Day signing Mamadou Sakho is not available for Sunday's game, but has been pleased with the impact the 27-year old has already had since arriving from Liverpool permanently.
"From the start, he was one of our targets. He's very eager to come here. He's already a very good influence in the dressing room and on the grass when he's training.
"I'm delighted that he's here. You can see the impact he has had with his positivity within the team."
