Pierre Sage set to be sacked by Crystal Palace: why the move has not worked in the Premier League

Sage faces the sack after less than five months at Crystal Palace, with the club bottom of the Premier League following Sunday's 1-3 loss to Liverpool.

Pierre Sage's time as Crystal, former Palace manager is coming to an end after fewer than five months in charge. The French coach, appointed in June, is set to be sacked following the Eagles' 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, which leaves the club bottom of the Premier League with just five wins in over two months of competition and only five points in the Europa League.

Sage struggled to adapt to Crystal Palace's recruitment strategy and the departures of key players including Maxence Lacroix (to Chelsea for €60m), Brennan Johnson (Everton) and Daniel Munoz (Nottingham Forest) weakened the squad significantly. Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has been injured, has played only six matches this season for one goal.

The manager also clashed with the club's culture, notably by disciplining late arrivals to training—an approach that sits uneasily with English football's more permissive attitudes toward star players. In September, reports suggested Sage angered president Steve Parish by dropping defender Jaydee Canvot for lack of commitment in training.

Danish manager Thomas Frank is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Sage.