Crystal Palace are poised to dismiss Pierre Sage after Sunday’s defeat by Liverpool dropped them to the bottom of the Premier League for the first time since December 2017. Thomas Frank has emerged as the primary candidate to succeed him.
Mounting Pressure and Defensive Woes
The French manager took charge in mid-June as the successor to Oliver Glasner, but intense pressure has mounted following a 5-0 loss against Brighton last month. Palace have shown little sign of progress during a run of four consecutive league defeats.
Sage has managed only two victories from 10 Premier League matches this campaign, leaving the team with the division’s worst defensive record after conceding 24 goals. While moments of promise appeared during the 3-1 reverse against Liverpool at Selhurst Park, persistent defensive vulnerabilities from set pieces remained uncorrected. Club officials have reportedly lost patience despite Sage lasting only 16 matches in charge.
Potential Successors and Squad Challenges
Sage is anticipated to become the first managerial casualty in the Premier League this season on Monday. Palace have reportedly initiated steps to secure his successor, with Frank interested in a fresh challenge following his dismissal by Tottenham in February and a prior conversation with the club during the summer after his successful tenure at Brentford.
Additional options include former Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, who retains supporters within the club due to his extensive top-flight experience, alongside former Forest boss Vítor Pereira.
Sage arrived at south London on a three-year deal from Lens, where he secured the Coupe de France and Champions League qualification in his final campaign. Squad depth was affected by the departures of central defenders Marc Guéhi to Manchester City in January and Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea in the summer, with loan arrivals Axel Disasi and teenager Honest Ahanor brought in as cover after the club missed out on primary target Malick Fofana.
Following the Liverpool fixture, Sage rejected the notion that his position had become a nightmare, though he emphasized the necessity of strengthening the squad in January. “We have to adjust some positions during the winter transfer window to give more solutions,” he stated.
