Crystal Palace’s new project in turmoil? 4 candidates who could replace Pierre Sage

His arrival signalled a real coup after the departure of Oliver Glasner, a manager who masterminded Lens’ second-placed finish last term and defied expectations by pushing Luis Enrique’s formidable Paris Saint-Germain side for the title. 

Crystal Palace looked poised to build upon their first-ever European trophy but a summer of failed recruitment has left the Eagles short in key areas, threatening to derail the positive momentum which had been built. 

A 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion only reinforced those concerns, with their only league victories of the season coming against Fulham and Nottingham Forest. 

With three points from their opening two Europa League matches, the threadbare nature of the Frenchman’s squad makes a progression to the latter stages a mammoth task. Such a humbling defeat to their arch rivals has thrown Sage into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, with a seemingly intriguing project quickly unravelling. 

Time is a luxury for Premier League managers due to the constant pressure to deliver results and it remains to be seen whether the Crystal Palace hierarchy will show patience with the ex-Lyon boss. 

Experience in this division would be paramount for Sage’s potential successor, so who could last year’s Emirates FA Cup winners turn to if they were to part company? 

Eddie Howe

Following an incredibly fruitful five-year spell in charge of Newcastle United, Eddie Howe’s appointment at Selhurst Park would represent a significant statement of intent. 

The former Bournemouth hero touched down on Tyneside towards the end of 2021 and completely revolutionised their fortunes, turning a side that looked destined for relegation into regular Champions League competitors. 

While that was partly down to the investment following the Saudi takeover, Howe was rightfully commended for getting the best out of the team he had at his disposal, with Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy and Sean Longstaff among those who flourished. 

His resignation felt like a case of inevitability after Newcastle failed to land their key summer targets and the 48-year-old will almost certainly be touted with any vacant top-flight jobs which do arise this term. 

Nevertheless, he isn’t the kind of manager to rush into a project without fully assessing the backing available to him so he may view a move to Crystal Palace as a step backwards.

Equally, Howe was clearly exhausted by the end of his Newcastle tenure and will only benefit from an extended break away from the game, even though he would be a dream appointment. 

Kieran McKenna

Perhaps more realistic than Howe with a move to Crystal Palace viewed as a career progression, Kieran McKenna is a manager who could fit in seamlessly. 

Leading Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions from Sky Bet League One, the former Manchester United assistant manager became the fastest boss in their history to reach 100 victories while also ending their 22-year exile from the top-flight. 

Despite suffering relegation, McKenna guided Ipswich to an immediate return back to the promised land last season, with his side’s free-flowing, possession-based football earning plaudits even if they struggled to make an impact in the top-flight.

His shock departure from Portman Road came from his desire to take a break from management and spend time with his young family. With the right project though, McKenna will be back amongst it sooner rather than later and stepping up to manage a side in European competition looks like the next step in his career. 

Vitor Matos

When a Championship manager combines an attack-minded style with consistent results, a move to the Premier League is often not far away - Vitor Matos certainly fits that bill.

Touching down at Swansea City after a spell at Portuguese outfit Maritimo, the former Porto youth coach quickly turned things around in south Wales, guiding the Swans to an 11th-placed finish having flirted with the prospect of relegation. 

His full-throttle, pressing style of play was the driving factor behind their success, a turnaround which was rewarded with a new contract in the summer until 2030, and they currently sit at the summit with just two losses. 

Showcasing their ability to grind out results while also playing an expansive brand of football, it remains to be seen whether Matos would head to this free-falling Crystal Palace side given what he has managed to build at the Swansea.com Stadium so far. 

An element of Sage’s tenure that has drawn criticism is his side’s lack of a clear identity, something Matos could address. However, a manager with proven Premier League experience should be the priority, despite Matos’ clear tactical acumen. 

Thomas Frank 

A disastrous stint at Tottenham Hotspur last season has tarnished Thomas Frank’s legacy somewhat, but it is easy to forget the incredible success he orchestrated at Brentford. 

From mid-table in the Championship to top-half finishes in the Premier League, the Danish boss received plenty of plaudits for his tactical flexibility and man-management so it was a case of when and not if one of the ‘big boys’ came calling. 

On the face of it, a move to Spurs seemed the ideal fit. A club with weight off their shoulders after ending their 17-year trophy drought and playing in Europe’s premier competition, an impressive start soon petered out as they were thrust into a relegation dogfight. 

While their extraordinary injury crisis has to be taken into consideration, Frank struggled to get the Spurs faithful on side with his style of play and when the losses began to flood in, so did his critics which led to his sacking in February. 

Touted with a move to Selhurst Park in the summer before Sage’s appointment, Frank appears a natural fit given Crystal Palace’s current squad and also provides the ex-Brøndby boss an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level once again.