Crystal Palace consider Pierre Sage replacements as four managers emerge

Crystal Palace have sounded out potential replacements for Pierre Sage following Sunday's 5-0 defeat to Brighton, though the club are not yet ready to pull the trigger on their manager.

Sage has endured a difficult start to life at Selhurst Park since replacing Oliver Glasner in the summer. Palace have taken just seven points from their opening seven Premier League games, leaving them 14th and only two points clear of the relegation zone.

Their defensive record makes for particularly grim reading. The Eagles have conceded 17 league goals, more than any other side, and were three down inside ten minutes against Brighton.

According to the Evening Standard, Palace are prepared to give Sage more time but have already made enquiries about potential alternatives. The newspaper has also assessed four managers who could come into consideration if the club decide a change is needed.

Thomas Frank is already familiar to Palace's hierarchy, having been considered for the job before Sage's appointment.

The former Brentford boss has been out of work since Tottenham dismissed him in February. His reputation took a hit during his time in north London, but his achievements at Brentford still carry weight.

Whether Frank would be interested in an immediate return is another matter. The Dane announced in June that he intended to take a break from football, and it remains unclear whether he would be willing to cut that short.

Kieran McKenna presents a different proposition.

The former Ipswich manager walked away from the club during the summer despite guiding them back to the Premier League, choosing instead to spend more time with his family.

McKenna's possession-based football would mark a significant departure from Palace's recent approach, although his experience with a back three could make the transition less drastic.

There is, however, no indication that he is ready to return to management.

Convincing Eddie Howe to take over could be a difficult task.

The former Newcastle manager, who guided the Magpies to Carabao Cup glory in 2025, is open to another job but is reportedly prepared to wait for an opportunity at a club with greater ambitions.

Palace would have to make a compelling case to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Sean Dyche, meanwhile, would represent a very different direction.

His experience of navigating difficult Premier League campaigns could appeal to a Palace board concerned by the club's early-season form, particularly given the defensive problems Sage has struggled to address.

But Dyche's pragmatic football would be a significant departure from the more expansive approach supporters became accustomed to under Glasner.

That could make him a difficult appointment to sell to the Selhurst Park crowd.

For now, Sage remains in charge.

Palace face Besiktas in the Europa League before taking on Newcastle in the Premier League, with both fixtures offering the Frenchman an opportunity to ease the pressure.

The club have yet to make a decision on his future, and the four managers discussed by the Evening Standard should not be mistaken for a confirmed shortlist.

But after conceding 17 goals in seven league matches, Sage has little room for another defensive collapse.