Crystal Palace sack boss Sage after 16 games

Crystal Palace confirmed on Thursday that Pierre Sage has left his role as manager after five months and 16 games in charge. The 47-year-old Frenchman, appointed in June on a three-year contract to replace Oliver Glasner, won only two of his 10 Premier League matches. The club sits bottom of the table with the division's worst defensive record, having conceded 24 league goals — their most in the first 10 matches of any campaign since 1980-81. An 81-word club statement said three members of Sage's coaching staff — Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard — have also departed.

The decision followed Sunday's 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool, Palace's fourth straight loss. The Guardian reported that chair Steve Parish watched from the stands as Alexis Mac Allister headed Liverpool's opener from a set-piece, a moment that summed up the season. Palace have conceded eight goals from set plays in the league, including four during the current losing run. The New York Times noted Palace are bottom of the expected points table and lead the league in shots conceded (189), shots on target faced (62) and touches in their own box (372).

Sage's tenure was undermined by a summer overhaul that saw 11 players signed but key defenders Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guéhi sold, while Daniel Munoz also left. Chadi Riad was seriously injured on the opening weekend and Takehiro Tomiyasu arrived with an injury history. The New York Times said Sage had under 100 senior top-flight games to his name when appointed and struggled to impose defensive structure. The Guardian reported some players questioned his training methods, though captain Dean Henderson was among those who pledged support after defeats by Newcastle and Tottenham.

Palace are in advanced talks to appoint Thomas Frank as Sage's successor, according to The Guardian and Sky Sports. The Dane, sacked by Tottenham in February after less than eight months, previously spent seven years at Brentford, winning promotion and establishing them in the Premier League. Sean Dyche, Frank Lampard, Vitor Pereira and others were also considered. The Guardian said Frank's experience with a back-three system was a factor, as was his proven Premier League record — a prerequisite for Parish after Sage. Palace face Coventry and Hull after the international break, with the club having hired the Raine Group last month to explore investment or a possible sale amid doubts over funding for a planned £200m main stand.