Crystal Palace face possible managerial change after Liverpool defeat

Crystal Palace were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday, marking their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat and dropping them to the bottom of the table for the first time since December 2017. The loss extended the club’s run of 24 goals conceded in ten league matches, the worst defensive record in the division.

Since his appointment in mid‑June, French manager Pierre Sage has overseen only two wins from ten league games. The Guardian reported that the club’s hierarchy is reportedly losing patience with Sage, who is expected to become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season, with a decision likely to be announced on Monday.

Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham manager who was dismissed in February, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Sage, according to the same source. Frank previously managed Brentford and is said to be interested in a new challenge. Former Nottingham Forest managers Sean Dyche and Vítor Pereira are also mentioned as possible alternatives.

Sage, who signed a three‑year contract after leaving Lens—where he won the Coupe de France and qualified for the Champions League—responded after the Liverpool match by describing his role as having become a “nightmare” and called for investment in the January transfer window to address squad deficiencies. He highlighted the need to adjust positions to provide more solutions.

Palace’s defensive problems have been compounded by the departure of central defenders Marc Guéhi to Manchester City and Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea. The club has brought in loan signings Axel Disasi and teenager Honest Ahanor as replacements, but the lack of a permanent signing such as Malick Fofana has been noted.