Crystal Palace fires coach Pierre Sage with team last in Premier League

Crystal Palace has dismissed manager Pierre Sage, ending his five-month stint at the club. The Frenchman's departure came after a dismal start to the Premier League season, with Palace trailing at the bottom of the table. Sage's dismissal followed a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool, the team's fourth consecutive Premier League loss, leaving them just two points away from the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace Football Club announced that Sage had left his managerial position, alongside three of his coaching staff members, Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa, and Sandy Guichard. The 47-year-old, who previously managed Ligue 1 teams RC Lens and Olympique Lyonnais, took over at Selhurst Park in June, succeeding Oliver Glasner.

Glasner departed at the end of the 2025-26 season following their victory in the Conference League. Despite winning only two Premier League matches under Sage, Palace has amassed just seven points from 10 games. Their defensive record is among the worst in the top flight, with 24 goals conceded. Reports suggest that former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford manager Thomas Frank is the frontrunner to take over from Sage. Palace's next match is against Coventry City on November 21.