Crystal Palace are reportedly ready to sack manager Pierre Sage after just 16 games in charge, following a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Selhurst Park that left the Eagles on the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Frenchman's future is hanging by a thread as the club faces its first bottom-table finish since December 2017, and chairman Steve Parish must decide during the international break whether to part ways with Sage.

Why the Sack Talk Is Growing

According to The Athletic, Palace are set to part company with Sage, 47, only five months after his appointment in June. The decision comes after the team has won just two of its opening ten league matches and has now suffered four consecutive Premier League defeats.

BBC Sport reports that former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has emerged as a strong contender to replace Sage, with former Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche also being considered. Both candidates are currently unemployed, making them available during the club's urgent search for a new manager.

Who Are the Potential Replacements?

Thomas Frank

Frank was dismissed by Tottenham in February after a brief stint that failed to improve the Spurs' fortunes. Prior to that, he earned widespread praise for guiding Brentford from the Championship to a stable Premier League side, known for a disciplined defensive structure and effective use of limited resources.

His experience in building a club's identity and his recent availability make him an attractive option for a Palace side looking to stabilise quickly.

Sean Dyche

Dyche left Nottingham Forest earlier this year after a season that saw the club battle relegation. Known for his pragmatic, hard-working style, Dyche has a track record of keeping teams above the drop zone, most notably during his long tenure at Burnley where he secured multiple Premier League seasons despite modest budgets.

His reputation for organising defensively resilient teams could be exactly what Palace need after conceding a staggering 24 goals - the worst record in the division.

What Went Wrong Under Pierre Sage?

Sage arrived at Selhurst Park in June to replace Oliver Glasner, who had led Palace to historic FA Cup and Europa Conference League triumphs. The Frenchman, formerly manager of Lens, entered English football with high expectations but has struggled to adapt.

Palace have won only two of their first ten league games, a win-rate of 20 per cent. Their defence has been porous, allowing 24 goals in 10 matches - an average of 2.4 goals per game, the highest in the Premier League. The recent 3-1 loss to Liverpool added three more goals to that tally, with Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak all finding the net, while Eddie Nketiah scored a late consolation penalty for Palace.

The club's form has slipped from the highs of a cup-winning season to a series of defeats, including a 1-3 loss to Liverpool, a 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim in the League Stage, and a 0-1 defeat at Fulham. The cumulative effect is a points total of seven from ten matches, leaving Palace 20th with a goal difference of –14.

Historical Context: Palace's Recent Rise and Current Decline

Under Oliver Glasner, Palace achieved unprecedented success, winning the FA Cup in 2024 and reaching the final of the Europa Conference League the same season. Those achievements raised expectations among supporters and the board, who hoped the club could cement its place as a mid-table Premier League side.

However, the transition to a new manager has proved difficult. The club's recruitment strategy, which previously focused on blending experienced Premier League players with promising talents from the continent, has not yet delivered the required cohesion under Sage's leadership.

Palace's defensive frailties are a stark contrast to the organised back line that characterised Glasner's tenure, where the team often relied on a compact shape and quick transitions.

Impact on Stakeholders

Fans are facing growing frustration as the team's performances have not matched the optimism that followed the cup victories. Ticket sales and merchandise revenue could be affected if the club does not reverse its fortunes.

Players are also under pressure. The defensive unit, in particular, must improve quickly to avoid further heavy defeats. The coaching staff may face restructuring depending on who is appointed as the next manager.

From a financial perspective, remaining in the Premier League is vital for the club's revenue streams, including broadcast rights and sponsorship deals. A relegation battle could jeopardise those incomes.

What Comes Next?

The club is expected to make a decision during the international break, giving the board time to interview candidates and assess their suitability. If a new manager is appointed, the first task will be to halt the slide and secure points in the upcoming fixtures against Real Sociedad, Hull City and Chelsea.

Should the board retain Sage, the expectation will be that he must produce an immediate turnaround, likely by tightening the defence and finding a more effective attacking pattern.

Watch for official statements from Steve Parish, the club's chairman, and any confirmation from the shortlisted candidates. The Premier League's fixture list provides limited time for a new manager to make an impact before the season reaches its crucial mid-point.

Practical Takeaways for Palace Supporters

  • Monitor official club communications for the final decision on Sage's tenure.
  • Expect possible changes to the coaching staff if a new manager is appointed.
  • Prepare for potential tactical shifts, especially in defence, under a new boss.
  • Stay aware of the club's upcoming fixtures, as points are urgently needed to climb out of the relegation zone.

The coming weeks will determine whether Crystal Palace can salvage their season or face a prolonged struggle at the bottom of the Premier League.