Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson has reiterated that he is "fully behind" manager Pierre Sage before Thursday night's important Europa League clash with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim (17:45 GMT).

The goalkeeper, who is waiting to make his first European appearance of the season after returning from an ankle injury, also said he is approaching the upcoming run of games "with a lot of optimism".

Speaking in a pre-match news conference, Henderson said: "There is a lot of faith around the group. It is all about togetherness in times like these. I'm sure we will come out the other end of it.

"We have a great group of lads here that roll their sleeves up when times get tough. It isn't the first time we've been here and I'm sure it won't be the last, so we will find a way through it. Everyone is together."

When quizzed about Crystal Palace sitting in the Premier League relegation zone, Henderson replied: "You only have to look at where Tottenham were a couple of weeks ago compared to where they are now - things can change really quickly.

"We know what it takes. We are full of confidence we will turn things around, sooner rather than later. 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 also called Pierre Sage a "brilliant manager" with an "exciting style", adding: "If we tighten things up at the back, we will be in good shape. I am fully behind him."

When asked what has given him such optimism, the goalkeeper explained: "When new coaching staff come in, you don't always see instant results and you don't always expect things to gel straightaway.

"Sometimes these things take time. My thoughts are that we are just going to keep getting better and stronger throughout this season, and I'm looking forward to that.

"I'm encouraged by the way the manager wants us to play, but it is down to us as players to carry that out. We just need to keep improving and getting better."