Crystal Palace have sacked manager Pierre Sage after just five months and 16 games in charge, with the club bottom of the Premier League.
Former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is in advanced talks to replace him. Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool was Palace’s fourth Premier League loss in a row, a slump that leaves one of the division’s most stable recent sides staring at a relegation fight and well short of their usual Premier League record.
- Two wins from 10 Premier League games, and bottom of the table
- 24 goals conceded, the worst defensive record in the league
- 21st of 36 in the Europa League table, with one win from four
- Sage won five of his 16 games in all competitions
Three members of Sage’s coaching staff, Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard, have also left the club.
What was said
“The club thanks Pierre and his staff for their efforts during their time in South London, and wish them well for the future. An update on the process of appointing a new manager will be provided in due course.”Crystal Palace statement
Sage had admitted he felt “shame” after the 5-0 defeat by rivals Brighton that started the losing run, and said he did not know whether he would be given time to turn things around.
Following Glasner proved too much
The 47-year-old Frenchman arrived on a three-year contract in June, replacing Oliver Glasner. Sage had led Lens to second place in Ligue 1 and the first French Cup triumph in the club’s 120-year history.
He could not match Glasner, who is now in charge of Nottingham Forest and sits among the FA Cup winning managers after giving Palace their first FA Cup, before adding the Europa Conference League.
There was sympathy for Sage behind the scenes. Injuries hit his plans, and forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr were absent through a mix of fitness and personal issues linked to their wish to leave. Palace have not won in the league since 11 October, and his failure to make the side defensively solid proved decisive.
Frank the overwhelming favourite
Palace believe Frank is the man to lead them away from trouble, and hope to complete a deal before players return from international duty early next week. Sean Dyche and Toulouse boss Jens Berthel Askou were also considered.
The Dane has been out of work since Tottenham sacked him in February after just under eight months, with Spurs 16th and on an eight-match league winless run. His record as Tottenham manager was a modest one, and he sits near the bottom when ranking every Spurs boss of the Premier League era. Fulham had also shown interest amid uncertainty over Alvaro Arbeloa’s future.
Sage is the second Premier League manager to be sacked this season, on the same day Manchester United dismissed Michael Carrick, a day after United opened talks with Mauricio Pochettino. Palace’s next league game is at Coventry on 21 November.
Frequently asked questions
Here are quick answers to the main questions about Pierre Sage’s exit and who comes next.
Why did Crystal Palace sack Pierre Sage?
Palace sacked Sage with the club bottom of the Premier League after four straight league defeats, two wins from 10 games and the worst defensive record in the division.
Who will replace Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace?
Former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is in advanced talks and is the overwhelming favourite to take over.
How long was Pierre Sage Crystal Palace manager?
Sage was in charge for five months and 16 games after joining on a three-year contract in June 2026. He won five of those 16 matches.
Which Premier League managers have been sacked this season?
Sage is the second Premier League manager sacked this season, after Michael Carrick was dismissed by Manchester United on the same day.
Source: BBC Sport.
About the author: Fiona Harvey
Fiona Harvey is a football journalist and content writer with a passion for the global game. She specialises in covering major tournaments, football history, player profiles and the latest developments from across the sport. Her work combines in-depth research with engaging storytelling, delivering insightful articles for football fans around the world. With experience producing digital football content, Fiona has written…