Crystal Palace have parted company with manager Pierre Sage following a poor start to the season, making him the second Premier League manager to be dismissed this week. Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham and Brentford boss, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him.
Sage sacked after Liverpool defeat
Sage's departure was confirmed after Sunday's 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool, which left the Eagles at the foot of the Premier League table. The loss was their eighth across all competitions this campaign.
His exit follows Michael Carrick's dismissal by Manchester United on Thursday morning, with Sage becoming the second top-flight manager to lose his job this term.
Club statement confirms departure
In an official statement, Palace confirmed: "Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Pierre Sage has left his role as Manager. Three members of Pierre's coaching staff – Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard – have also left the club."
The statement added: "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Pierre and his staff for their efforts during their time in South London, and wish them well for the future. An update on the process of appointing a new manager will be provided in due course."
Pressure builds after poor run
Sage had been under pressure since a heavy defeat to local rivals Brighton in mid-October, with losses to Newcastle United and Tottenham also contributing to the slide. Stalemates against Hoffenheim and Besiktas in the Europa League followed, though Palace did beat Fulham in the Carabao Cup.
The campaign has brought few wins, with Palace also defeating Fulham in the league and taking three points when Oliver Glasner returned to Selhurst Park with Nottingham Forest. Saturday's home loss to Liverpool proved decisive.
Frank favourite for the hot seat
Frank, who has been out of work since leaving Spurs in February, is considered the frontrunner for the role. Palace are also considering Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche, Vitor Pereira, Kim Hellberg, Vitor Matos and Tony Popovic, with Ole Werner and Jens Berthel Askou also named as candidates.
Sage could return to management quickly, with French reports suggesting Lens are keen to bring back their former manager after sacking Yannick Cahuzac.
