Crystal Palace sack Pierre Sage after 16 games with club bottom

Pierre Sage's time at Crystal Palace has ended after 16 games. BBC Sport reported on November 12 that the club had sacked him with Palace bottom of the table.

The appointment had been intended to last much longer. According to Soccer News Football, Sage signed a three-year deal in June after previously managing Lens. AFP described his Palace tenure as lasting just five months.

On November 8, Guardian Sport reported that Palace were poised to sack Sage after defeat by Liverpool left them bottom of the Premier League. It was their fourth successive defeat.

The search for a possible successor was already taking shape. Sky Sports reported that day that Thomas Frank had emerged as a leading candidate if Palace dismissed Sage.

On November 9, Daily Mail reported frustration among players and club chiefs over Sage's training methods. It said he had won just two of his first ten Premier League matches and predicted his dismissal that day.

That timetable did not materialise. On November 10, Guardian Sport reported that Sage's exit was still unconfirmed. It also raised the possibility that Palace could avoid significant compensation if he returned to Lens.

The dismissal was confirmed on November 12. L'Équipe reported that Palace announced the decision four days after the 3-1 defeat by Liverpool.

Sage is now out, rather than merely under threat. BBC Sport confirmed both his dismissal after 16 games and Palace's position at the bottom of the table.

The supplied coverage does not confirm a successor. Frank's status as a leading candidate came from reporting before the dismissal, while Cumhuriyet.com.tr: Son Dakika reported on November 9 that Vitor Pereira was also on the list.

The next decision is who replaces Sage. Whether Palace appoint Frank, pursue Pereira or turn elsewhere remains open in the supplied coverage.

There is also the question of compensation. Guardian Sport reported that a potential return to Lens could reduce Palace's costs, but the coverage does not establish that such a move has been agreed.