Crystal Palace accelerate hunt for former Spurs boss after Sage sack

Crystal Palace have dismissed manager Pierre Sage and are in advanced talks with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank to fill the vacancy, the club confirmed in an official statement on Sunday, following a damaging start to the Premier League season.

Palace sit bottom of the Premier League table after winning only two league matches all season. The disappointing start has left the board with little patience. Confidence around Selhurst Park has been badly shaken.

Standard Sport said Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool proved pivotal. The result was described as the final straw for chairman Steve Parish and the club hierarchy, with Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage‑time penalty offering little more than cosmetic relief.

Palace have won only once in their last eight matches in all competitions. That solitary success came in the Carabao Cup against Fulham.

In the league the downturn has been sharper, with four straight defeats. Heavy setbacks include a 5-0 loss at Brighton and a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham.

Palace have the worst defensive record in the division, conceding 24 goals in ten games. The poor defensive showing has intensified pressure on the coaching staff.

The club’s statement confirmed Pierre Sage has left his role as manager. It added that three members of his coaching staff – Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard – have also departed.

Palace thanked Sage and his staff for their efforts during their time in South London. The club said it would provide an update on the process of appointing a new manager in due course.

Frank emerges as leading target

Thomas Frank is now the clear frontrunner to replace Sage. Palace considered him during the summer and that prior interest has resurfaced quickly.

Frank’s work at Brentford earned wide respect across the game. Palace believe he can stabilise a dressing room that had become increasingly disillusioned with Sage’s methods and lack of communication.

Standard Sport reported the club had contemplated Sage’s dismissal as early as September. The speed of the decision reflects the urgency felt by the hierarchy.

Pierre Sage leaves the Eagles after Premier League debacle (Official)

Sage arrived in June on a three‑year contract after guiding Lens to their first Coupe de France. He also led Lens to a second‑place finish in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint‑Germain.

Oliver Glasner departed at the end of the previous season. Frank now looks set to inherit a club searching for immediate structure, a stronger defensive platform and a lift in belief.

Sage was sacked after just 16 matches in charge.

Player form under Sage

Benítez only featured once in the league last season, earning a 7.2 rating, and has not approached that benchmark in his five league appearances this season. His reduced rating highlights the broader dip in player performances.

Mateta, who previously argued his contract’s final year was invalid, has yet to score in the league this season. A hamstring injury and a suspension after a red card against Tottenham have further limited his impact.

Sarr was denied a move to Liverpool this summer and has battled injuries, coming off the bench only twice in the league. His limited minutes have contributed to a decline in his ratings.

Guessand returned on loan from Aston Villa but has only featured twice as a substitute and has not scored. The 31‑year‑old, who enjoyed a joint‑busiest season previously, has made four substitute appearances this campaign at an average of ten minutes each.

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Wharton, aged 22, was left out of England’s World Cup squad and risks falling further behind. He still has ample time to turn his form around.

Canvot, only 20, has become one of the more important centre‑backs remaining at Selhurst Park. He will need to reflect that responsibility in his performances going forward.

Richards, 26, is the only ever‑present player in the league this term and ranks as Palace’s fourth‑highest‑rated player. He has featured in all substantial defeats.

Riad is in his third season with Palace but has only played once in the league under Sage before suffering an ACL injury. His progress has been hampered by injuries.

Nketiah is halfway to matching his goal tally from last season and has started more league games this term. Nonetheless, he is becoming a source of frustration for Palace fans.

Outlook

Palace will provide an update on the appointment of a new manager in due course. The next few weeks are crucial for the club’s survival hopes.