Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace, with the manager’s position reportedly under serious threat after the club’s latest Premier League defeat.
Palace were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday, suffering a fourth consecutive league loss. The result left them bottom of the table, having lost seven of their opening 10 matches of the 2026/27 campaign.
Fabrizio Romano said Sage was “on the verge of being sacked by Crystal Palace”, with the club’s position at the foot of the Premier League table increasing the pressure on the Frenchman.
Thomas Frank leads Crystal Palace succession plans
Sky Sports has reported that Frank is the board’s preferred option should Palace decide to end Sage’s tenure.
The former Brentford and Tottenham manager has been out of work since leaving Spurs and could now be offered the chance to return to Premier League management.
Frank was reportedly considered by Palace during the summer before the club appointed Sage. His name has resurfaced as the Eagles’ form has deteriorated and their relegation concerns have intensified.
His reputation was built at Brentford, where he guided the club into the Premier League and earned praise for his tactical organisation and ability to compete with better-resourced opponents. His spell at Tottenham was less successful, but his previous work could appeal to a Palace side seeking to avoid a prolonged relegation battle.
Other names reportedly under consideration by the Palace board include Sean Dyche, Vitor Pereira, Frank Lampard and Vitor Matos.
Palace feel the absence of Oliver Glasner
The club’s current difficulties have also highlighted the impact of Oliver Glasner’s departure. Under the Austrian, Palace were described as a disciplined, defensively organised and dangerous counter-attacking team capable of competing in the top half.
Glasner also led the club to three trophies, including the Europa Conference League last season and the FA Cup in 2024/25.
Sage’s tenure has instead unravelled quickly, with Palace now carrying the Premier League’s worst defensive record and sitting at the bottom of the table. The club must decide whether a managerial change is needed to arrest the decline.
