Crystal Palace face a major decision over Pierre Sage after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Liverpool left the Eagles bottom of the Premier League. Reports from several established British outlets suggest the club are considering a managerial change, with former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank among the names being discussed. Crucially, Palace have not confirmed Sage’s departure or announced a successor.
What has actually been reported?
BBC Sport reported on 8 November that Palace had held internal discussions about Sage’s future and potential replacements. Sky Sports separately described Frank as a leading contender if the club decide to dismiss the Frenchman. The Guardian reported that a decision could come as soon as Monday. These accounts point to serious pressure on the manager, but none should be mistaken for an official dismissal notice. Until the club communicates a decision, Sage remains the incumbent head coach.
The distinction matters in a fast-moving managerial story. A candidate being considered is not the same thing as an appointment, and reported discussions are not proof that a contract has been agreed. Palace supporters looking for certainty will need to wait for a statement from the club rather than assume the next manager has already been chosen.
Why Palace are considering their options
The Liverpool result compounded a difficult opening to the league season. According to BBC Sport’s account, Palace have taken seven points from ten matches and suffered four consecutive league defeats. They have also conceded 24 goals, a figure that helps explain the growing scrutiny of their defensive organisation.
Sage arrived in June after an impressive spell with Lens and was entrusted with a three-year deal. That longer-term appointment was supposed to provide continuity after Oliver Glasner’s departure. But a poor start, combined with a demanding schedule and changes in the squad, has raised the question of whether the club can afford to wait for improvement.
The defeat against Liverpool was particularly painful because it came at Selhurst Park immediately before the international break, a period when clubs often review performances and recruitment plans. Liverpool scored three times before a late Eddie Nketiah penalty gave the home crowd something to cheer. That consolation did not change the outcome or the pressure on Palace’s position in the table.
Why Thomas Frank is being linked
Frank’s reputation was built during his time at Brentford, where his teams became known for tactical discipline, adaptability and the ability to compete against clubs with larger budgets. His subsequent spell at Tottenham ended earlier in 2026, leaving him available for another Premier League job.
Sky Sports says Frank is a prominent candidate. BBC Sport also names Sean Dyche among the possible alternatives. Different reports mention additional managers, but the list should be understood as potential options rather than a confirmed shortlist. Neither Frank nor Dyche has been appointed, and Palace have not publicly set out a recruitment timetable.
Frank would offer experience of managing a side expected to maximise limited margins. Dyche, meanwhile, has extensive experience of difficult Premier League campaigns. Either profile could appeal to a club seeking immediate defensive stability, although Palace’s hierarchy would also need to weigh longer-term playing style and squad development.
What Sage has said
After the Liverpool match, Sage spoke about finding solutions rather than concentrating on speculation about his own job. The BBC reported that he acknowledged the team’s results were not at the required level. His response underlines that the immediate football problem remains the same regardless of who occupies the dugout: Palace must become harder to score against while finding more consistent attacking output.
There are mitigating factors, including squad disruption and injuries, but they do not erase the points deficit. A change in manager would also carry risk. A new coach would have limited time on the training ground before competitive fixtures resume, and the January transfer window remains some weeks away.
What happens next?
The international break offers Palace time to assess their options without another league match immediately looming. A decision could be announced quickly, but no exact timing has been officially confirmed. Supporters should watch for a club statement, not treat the reported Monday timetable as a guarantee.
For now, the verified development is that multiple credible outlets are reporting serious consideration of Sage’s future and interest in Frank. The dismissal, any negotiations and any appointment remain unconfirmed. That is the central distinction as Palace attempt to reverse a worrying start to the campaign.
Sources
BBC Sport — Crystal Palace and Pierre Sage’s future; Sky Sports — Thomas Frank among contenders; The Guardian — Palace consider managerial change.