Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage, Thomas Frank in Advanced Talks
Crystal Palace sacked manager Pierre Sage on Thursday, ending his five-month spell with the club bottom of the Premier League.
Crystal Palace sacked manager Pierre Sage on Thursday, ending his five-month spell with the club bottom of the Premier League. Former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is in advanced talks to replace him.
Sage is the second Premier League manager to lose his job this season. Michael Carrick was dismissed by Manchester United earlier the same day.
The numbers behind the decision
Palace lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool on Sunday, their fourth straight league defeat. Eddie Nketiah scored an injury-time penalty, but it changed nothing. The club sits two points outside the safety zone.
They have won only two of their first 10 league games and gained seven points under Sage. Their 24 goals conceded is the worst record in the division.
Palace had given Sage more time after a 5-0 defeat by rivals Brighton in October. Since that loss they have lost three more league matches and scored just one goal.
The picture is no better in Europe. Palace are 21st in the 36-team Europa League table with one win from four matches.
Club statement and coaching staff
"Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Pierre Sage has left his role as manager," the club said. Assistants Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard have also gone.
Sage was appointed in June to succeed Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park. He was in charge for 16 games. The 47-year-old Frenchman leaves after those five months.
Who replaces Sage
Frank is reported to be the favourite for the job, and talks with the club are said to be well advanced. Palace have not named a successor.
The club said: "An update on the process of appointing a new manager will be provided in due course."
