Crystal Palace sack Pierre Sage after poor Premier League run

Crystal Palace have dismissed manager Pierre Sage after only a few months in charge, following a disappointing start to the Premier League season.

The London club confirmed the decision in a statement on Thursday, saying: “Crystal Palace can confirm that Pierre Sage has left his position as manager.”

Sage managed only two wins in 10 Premier League matches, with the team suffering five defeats during that run. The results increased pressure on the Frenchman, who was unable to produce the improvement Palace’s board had expected.

His dismissal came only a few hours after Manchester United parted company with English manager Michael Carrick.

Palace’s latest setback was a 3-1 defeat by Liverpool at their home ground. That result left the club at the bottom of the Premier League table and further distanced them from the position the board had hoped they would occupy at the start of the campaign.

The team’s difficulties have also extended beyond domestic competition. Palace have taken only five points from their opening four Europa League matches, leaving them without the consistency needed to progress confidently in Europe.

Sage had joined Crystal Palace after leaving French club Lens, with the move offering him the chance to begin a new chapter in the Premier League. However, the results failed to provide the platform he needed to establish himself in south London.

As defeats continued and there were few signs of a change in performance, pressure mounted on the manager. Palace had been hoping to regain their balance and compete more effectively in both domestic and European football.

Reports indicated that Sage had not been able to create a strong team dynamic or convince the club’s hierarchy that he could reverse the situation. Palace have therefore ended their relationship with him and begun the search for a manager capable of rescuing their season.

Thomas Frank is among the leading candidates being considered as Sage’s replacement, while Sean Dyche is also under consideration. Dyche has extensive experience of working with clubs facing the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

He guided Burnley to promotion to the Premier League twice and kept the club in the top flight for six consecutive seasons. Dyche also helped Everton avoid relegation during his time at the club.

Sage’s brief spell in English football has consequently come to an end. He left Lens to test himself in the Premier League, but his results at Crystal Palace were not enough to secure his continuation in the role.