Crystal Palace have dismissed manager Pierre Sage following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 Premier League season. The French coach’s five-month tenure at Selhurst Park has come to an end after the club slipped to the bottom of the Premier League table.
The decision was confirmed on Thursday, November 12, 2026, following Palace’s home defeat to Liverpool. This marked the club’s fourth consecutive loss in the Premier League, intensifying the pressure on Sage and his coaching staff.
Why did Crystal Palace sack Pierre Sage?
In the opening months of the season, Crystal Palace struggled to deliver consistent performances under the leadership of Pierre Sage. The 'Eagles' managed only two wins in their first 10 Premier League matches, accumulating a total of just seven points.
The team's defensive performance was also a major cause for concern. Palace conceded 24 goals in those 10 league games—the worst defensive record in the competition at the time of his departure.
A crushing 5-0 defeat to Brighton, followed by a string of poor results, further intensified the pressure on the French manager. Ultimately, during the November international break, the club decided to make a change in management.
Pierre Sage’s Record at Crystal Palace
Pierre Sage joined Crystal Palace in June 2026 on a three-year contract. He replaced Oliver Glasner, who had departed following a successful tenure at the club.
However, Sage was unable to replicate the success of his predecessor and was dismissed after just 16 matches across all competitions.
- Manager: Pierre Sage
- Tenure: Five months
- Total matches: 16
- Premier League wins: 2 out of 10 matches
- League points: 7
- Goals conceded: 24
Three Coaching Staff Members Also Leave Crystal Palace
Following the change in management, Crystal Palace has confirmed that three members of Pierre Sage’s coaching staff are also leaving the club.
- Jamal Alioui
- Damien Della Santa
- Sandy Guichard
The club thanked Pierre Sage and his staff for their efforts during their tenure in South London and wished them well in their future careers.
Thomas Frank linked to Crystal Palace managerial role
Following Sage’s departure, former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford manager Thomas Frank has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next manager of Crystal Palace.
Frank has been without a managerial position since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in February 2026. He enjoyed a highly successful spell at Brentford, where he helped establish the club in the Premier League—making him a strong candidate for Crystal Palace.
However, Crystal Palace has not yet officially announced a new manager. It is expected that the club will provide an update on the recruitment process soon.
What’s Next for Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace will now look to appoint a new manager during the international break, aiming to improve their standing in the Premier League and climb out of the relegation zone.
The Eagles' next Premier League match is against Coventry City on November 21, 2026. Finding the right manager will be crucial if Palace hopes to turn around their disappointing run of form.
Key Highlights
- Crystal Palace has parted ways with Pierre Sage, who served as the team's manager for five months.
- The Eagles currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with seven points from 10 matches.
- Palace has conceded 24 goals—the highest number in the league.
- The 3-1 defeat against Liverpool marked their fourth consecutive loss in the league.
- Three members of Sage’s coaching staff have also left the club.
- According to reports, Thomas Frank is the frontrunner to replace Sage.
