Crystal Palace sack Pierre Sage as Thomas Frank emerges as leading replacement candidate

Crystal Palace have sacked manager Pierre Sage following a disastrous start to the Premier League season, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford boss Thomas Frank emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.

The Eagles confirmed Sage's departure on Thursday after just 16 competitive matches in charge.

Palace sit bottom of the Premier League with seven points from ten games, having won twice and suffered four consecutive league defeats.

Frank is reportedly interested in returning to management, although no appointment has been confirmed.

Sage's departure follows Sunday's 3-1 home defeat against Liverpool, which extended Palace's losing run and left them facing an early relegation battle.

Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak scored for Liverpool, while Eddie Nketiah converted a late penalty for the hosts.

Palace have conceded 24 goals in ten Premier League matches, the worst defensive record in the division.

Their difficulties included a 5-0 defeat against Brighton, while their only victory in the past eight matches came against Fulham in the Carabao Cup.

Sage arrived from Lens during the summer, replacing Oliver Glasner on a three-year contract.

However, his tenure lasted just four months, with Palace struggling to maintain consistency across domestic and European competitions.

Reports also suggest tensions developed over recruitment and squad management, although the club's poor results were the immediate backdrop to his dismissal.

Frank has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Sage, according to The Guardian, Sky Sports and the Evening Standard.

The 53-year-old has been out of management since Tottenham dismissed him in February 2026.

His reputation was built at Brentford, where he secured promotion to the Premier League and established the club in the top flight.

However, his subsequent spell at Tottenham proved difficult and ended after less than eight months.

Palace previously considered Frank during the summer, and reports suggest preliminary discussions have taken place over a possible appointment.

Nevertheless, there is no confirmed agreement, and former Nottingham Forest managers Sean Dyche and Vítor Pereira are also among the candidates.

Whoever takes charge will inherit a side facing serious defensive problems and an urgent battle to move away from the bottom of the table.

Palace will aim to appoint a new manager during the international break before returning to Premier League action against Coventry City on 21 November.