Crystal Palace have parted ways with manager Pierre Sage after just 16 matches in charge, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure at Selhurst Park following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The Frenchman, who only arrived in South London during the summer, has struggled to make the desired impact, with Palace enduring a difficult run of results across domestic and European competitions.
His departure comes with the Eagles rooted in the Premier League relegation zone after 10 league matches, leaving the club facing growing pressure to turn their season around.
Confirming the decision, Crystal Palace announced that Sage had left his position alongside three members of his coaching staff.
“Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Pierre Sage has left his role as Manager. Three members of Pierre’s coaching staff – Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard – have also left the club.“
Crystal Palace
Sage’s Disappointing 16-Game Spell
Sage departs after recording five wins, three draws and eight defeats in 16 matches across all competitions, a return that fell well short of expectations following his appointment.
His Premier League record was particularly concerning, with just two victories, one draw and seven defeats from 10 matches, leaving Palace bottom of the standings with seven points.
The 47-year-old’s dismissal comes barely five months after he arrived from French side RC Lens, where he had enjoyed an impressive spell that strengthened his reputation as one of France’s promising young coaches.
During his time at Lens, Sage guided the club to second place in Ligue 1, secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League and won the Coupe de France in May 2026, delivering the club’s first triumph in the competition.
His achievements in France had raised expectations that he could build on the foundations established by former manager Oliver Glasner.
However, Sage has been unable to reproduce that level of success, with Palace struggling to find consistency and slipping into a worrying position in the league.
The club also acknowledged the contributions of the departing manager and his assistants, expressing appreciation for their efforts during their brief stay in South London. “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Pierre and his staff for their efforts during their time in South London, and wish them well for the future.“
The Eagles added that an update on the process of appointing a new manager would be provided in due course, leaving the club to begin its search for a successor at a critical stage of the campaign.
Thomas Frank Emerges as Potential Successor
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has been speculated to be the leading candidate to take charge at Selhurst Park as Palace begin the search for Sage’s replacement.
The Danish tactician, who previously established himself as one of the Premier League’s respected coaches during his successful spell at Brentford, could offer the experience and tactical direction Palace need to arrest their disappointing start to the season.
Frank’s previous experience at Tottenham also gives him an understanding of the demands of managing at a high-profile Premier League club.
But, Palace are yet to confirm any appointment, with the club maintaining that further information about its managerial search will be communicated in due course.
A Second Managerial Dismissal of the Day
Palace’s decision makes Sage the second Premier League managerial casualty of Thursday, November 12, following Manchester United’s earlier dismissal of Michael Carrick.
Carrick was relieved of his duties after a disappointing start to the season left United in the relegation zone with eight points from 10 matches. His departure, alongside Sage’s, highlights the mounting pressure on managers as two historically prominent English clubs seek to arrest their respective declines.
For Palace, the immediate challenge will be finding a successor capable of stabilising the team, restoring confidence and improving their league position before the situation becomes more difficult to reverse.
Having invested in Sage following his achievements in France, the club will now have to reconsider its managerial direction just months into the season.
The next appointment will be crucial in determining whether the Eagles can recover from their disappointing start and preserve their Premier League status.
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