Pierre Sage is already under serious pressure at Crystal Palace, with the club reportedly considering two possible replacements if the Frenchman is removed from his position. Kieran McKenna and Frank Lampard are among the names being examined by the Eagles’ hierarchy.
Palace’s defensive record has intensified the scrutiny surrounding Sage. The team have conceded 17 goals in seven Premier League matches, the division’s worst total, while Sunday’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton followed a 3-2 loss against Lyon in the Europa League. With only seven points collected, upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United and Liverpool could prove crucial to the manager’s future.
Sage acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his position after the Brighton defeat, apologising to supporters and admitting that he did not know what his future held. The Times has reported that Palace’s leadership have already considered alternative options, despite Oliver Glasner’s departure having taken place only a few months ago.
McKenna is currently without a club after leaving Ipswich Town in June. Bringing him to Selhurst Park could carry a significant cost, however, with Ipswich potentially seeking compensation connected to the final year of his contract. That figure was estimated at €9 million in July.
Lampard is another candidate understood to have supporters within the Palace hierarchy. The club have also shown interest in Sean Dyche in the past, although his playing style is said to have caused reservations among some supporters.
For now, Sage retains an opportunity to change the situation, but Palace are demanding an immediate improvement at the back. His more advanced defensive setup has exposed weaknesses, while injuries and suspensions have further complicated matters. Sage had wanted quicker centre-backs following Maxence Lacroix’s move to Chelsea, but several defensive targets failed to materialise, and relations between the manager and the club’s leadership are already believed to be strained.
