Thomas Frank has become a leading candidate to replace Pierre Sage as Crystal Palace manager if the club decide to dismiss him, although no decision has yet been made.
Sage’s position is under growing pressure after Palace suffered their seventh league defeat of the season, a 3-1 loss to Liverpool. The former Brentford head coach was among the managers considered by the club during the summer and is expected to be among the frontrunners should Palace make a change.
Thomas Frank emerges as Crystal Palace contender
Frank spent seven years at Brentford between 2018 and 2025, guiding the Bees into the Premier League and establishing them in the top flight. The club finished ninth in 2023, their highest position during his spell.
He subsequently moved to Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou, but was dismissed after less than eight months in charge, with Spurs 16th in the Premier League and five points above the relegation zone.
Tottenham secured their survival from relegation on the final day of last season after Igor Tudor and Roberto De Zerbi replaced Frank as head coach. His tenure had been marked by a series of setbacks, including an incident in which he was seen drinking from a coffee cup bearing the badge of rivals Arsenal.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Palace are likely to act despite the quality of their performance against Liverpool.
“I think that would have been one of the best Crystal Palace performances this season. Liverpool won 3-1 away from home but their goalkeeper was their best player. That tells you how well Palace did,” he said.
“But I don’t think you can hang your hat on the performance, especially with a new guy into the Premier League. He’s really struggled so far.
“I don’t think you can take the risk as an owner when you think of the finances involved. Palace – 14 seasons in the Premier League, we don’t expect them to be [bottom]. They’re an established Premier League club.
“I think the decision will be made, unfortunately for Pierre Sage. I think Palace will have a new manager the next time they play in the Premier League.”
Sage said Palace had not received the rewards he felt their performance deserved, but acknowledged that their failure to convert chances had proved costly.
“We start really well, we create a lot of chances but without scoring and taking this goal [against] after a set-piece with the consequence of transition, it’s really difficult against Liverpool because they have a lot of speed and are really efficient in transition,” he said.
“Football is about efficiency. If we create these chances, it’s a good step. But the next step is to score. If not, it’s as [if] you did nothing.
“I’m really frustrated, especially for the fans and the players, because I think we’re able to do better.”
