Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage After Five Months as Thomas Frank Talks Advance
Crystal Palace have sacked manager Pierre Sage after just five months in charge, with the club bottom of the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League.
The decision follows a run of four consecutive league defeats, the latest a 3-1 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. Palace have won only two of their opening 10 Premier League matches and have conceded 24 goals — the highest total in the division.
Former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is in advanced talks to take over, although Crystal Palace have not confirmed an appointment.
Crystal Palace confirm Pierre Sage’s departure
In a statement, the club confirmed that Sage and three members of his coaching staff — Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard — had left.
Palace thanked the Frenchman and his assistants for their work during their time in south London and wished them well for the future.
The club added that it would provide an update on the process of appointing a new manager in due course.
Sage is the second Premier League manager to lose his job this season, following Manchester United’s dismissal of Michael Carrick on Thursday.
Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage After Five Months as Thomas Frank Talks Advance
Poor results leave Palace bottom
Palace’s league struggles have been compounded by their European campaign. They sit 21st in the 36-team Europa League table, with just one victory from four matches.
Their domestic losing run began with a 5-0 defeat against rivals Brighton. Palace have not won a league match since October 11.
After the Brighton loss, Sage said he felt “shame” about the performance and admitted he did not know whether he would be given enough time to turn the situation around.
The 47-year-old won five of his 16 matches in all competitions during his time at Selhurst Park.
Injuries and squad concerns added to Sage’s problems
Sage’s task was made more difficult by injuries and uncertainty over the availability of key attacking players.
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr were absent for a mixture of fitness and personal reasons, with both players also linked to a desire to leave the club.
There was reportedly some sympathy for Sage behind the scenes following the heavy defeat by Brighton, particularly given the injury problems affecting his plans.
However, three more league defeats followed. Against Liverpool, Palace struck the crossbar and had a goal ruled out before losing 3-1 at Selhurst Park.
Thomas Frank in advanced talks
Thomas Frank is the leading name linked with the vacant position, with reports indicating that discussions with Crystal Palace have advanced.
Frank previously managed Brentford before taking charge of Tottenham. Spurs dismissed him in February after just under eight months, with the club sitting 16th in the Premier League and five points above the relegation zone following an eight-match winless run in the competition.
Crystal Palace have yet to announce a successor, saying only that an update on the appointment process will follow.
The club’s next Premier League fixture is away to Coventry on November 21, after the international break. Palace will need to address their poor form and defensive record as they seek to move away from the bottom of the table.
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