Crystal Palace have dismissed Pierre Sage after just five months in charge, with former Tottenham and Brentford manager Thomas Frank emerging as the leading candidate to replace him. The decision follows four consecutive Premier League defeats that have left the Eagles bottom of the table.
Crystal Palace have ended Pierre Sage’s short spell at Selhurst Park after a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign, with the club now working towards appointing a new manager during the international break. The Frenchman’s departure was confirmed on Thursday, 12 November, following a 3-1 home defeat against Liverpool. Palace have collected only seven points from their opening 10 league fixtures and have conceded 24 goals – the highest total in the division.
The club also confirmed that three members of Sage’s coaching team, Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard, have left alongside him. Palace said in a statement that they thanked Sage and his staff for their efforts and wished them well for the future. The club added that further information about the managerial appointment process would follow.
Thomas Frank leads the race for Selhurst Park job
Thomas Frank has become the leading candidate to take charge, with reports from The Guardian and other British outlets indicating that discussions have advanced.
Frank has been without a club since leaving Tottenham Hotspur earlier in 2026. His previous work at Brentford, where he established the club in the Premier League, makes him an experienced option for Palace as they attempt to stabilise their season. However, he is not the only name being considered. Sean Dyche and Vítor Pereira have also been linked with the vacancy, although Frank is currently understood to be the preferred choice.
Sage arrived in south London in June after an impressive spell at Lens, where he won the Coupe de France and guided the club to second place in Ligue 1 table. His three-year contract followed Oliver Glasner’s departure, but he struggled to reproduce the success of his predecessor. Palace’s problems have extended beyond domestic competition. They are also 21st in the Europa League league-phase standings after winning once in their opening four matches.
The international break gives the club time to complete its managerial search before their next Premier League fixture away to Coventry City on Saturday, 21 November. Palace then host Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday, 26 November. Whoever takes charge will face an immediate challenge to improve the team's defensive organisation and halt a run of results that has placed their league position under serious pressure.
