Pierre Sage's failure to fix defensive flaws leaves Crystal Palace seeking new solution

Pierre Sage sacked after five months as Crystal Palace manager, with defensive frailties and a losing run forcing Steve Parish's hand.

Pierre Sage's tenure as Crystal, former Palace manager ended on Thursday after just five months in charge. The Frenchman's dismissal came following a run of four consecutive defeats that left Palace bottom of the Premier League for the first time since Frank de Boer's brief spell in 2017-18.

The decisive moment came during Sunday's match against Liverpool at Selhurst Park, when Alexis Mac Allister headed in from a soft free-kick conceded by Jefferson Lerma—a goal that epitomised Palace's defensive vulnerabilities under Sage.

Sage had been under pressure since a 5-0 thrashing at Brighton last month, when he was told he must tighten a defence that had conceded the most goals in the Premier League. While there were signs Palace's players were adapting to his more attacking approach, they remained far too open at the back.

Set-piece defending has been a particular problem, with Palace conceding eight goals from set plays in the league, including four during their current losing streak.

Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham manager, is poised to take over. Frank met with Palace in the summer but declined the role at that time; he is now believed keen for a new challenge and brings proven Premier League experience—a key requirement for chairman Steve Parish after Sage's appointment. Sean Dyche has also been considered.