Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage After Players Revolt Over Intense Training and Late-Night Sessions

Crystal Palace have dismissed manager Pierre Sage following a difficult start to the Premier League season, with concerns over his training methods, defensive approach and results contributing to the decision.

The Frenchman’s departure came after Palace suffered a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, a result that left them at the bottom of the Premier League table for the first time in nine years.

Sage had won only two of his first 10 league matches in charge, while Palace had managed just one victory in their previous eight games across all competitions. That win came against Fulham in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Players Raise Concerns Over Training Schedule

Although Palace players reportedly maintained a good personal relationship with Sage, several became frustrated with the demands and timing of his training sessions.

Some sessions began as late as 4pm, while the manager’s routine required players to remain at the training ground for dinner on the evening before matches. In some cases, players reportedly did not return home until around 8pm ahead of fixtures scheduled for 2pm the following day.

Players also expressed concerns that training sessions, particularly those held before matches, were too demanding. The intensity of the sessions reportedly left some squad members worried they were being pushed too hard.

There was further dissatisfaction with the quality of Sage’s coaching team. His assistant, Jamal Alioui, was said to be particularly unpopular among players.

Defensive Approach Becomes Major Concern

Palace’s hierarchy had reportedly questioned Sage’s defensive methods early in his time at the club.

The 47-year-old’s football philosophy placed considerable emphasis on possession, pressing and running. He believed controlling the ball was the most effective way to defend, resulting in training sessions that focused heavily on those areas rather than defensive organisation.

However, Palace continued to struggle when defending set-pieces and counter-attacks. They conceded 30 goals in 16 matches across all competitions, while their defensive performances remained a persistent problem.

Chairman Steve Parish had considered dismissing Sage as early as September because of concerns about his defensive approach.

The manager was given another opportunity after Palace produced a determined performance and kept a clean sheet against Leeds shortly before the international break. However, the improvement did not continue, with the team conceding 19 goals in their next nine matches.

Tensions Between Sage and Club Leadership

Disagreements between Sage and Parish had also emerged over team selection.

In September, tensions reportedly developed after Parish questioned the decision to leave teenage defender Jaydee Canvot out of the team for a defeat against Ipswich Town.

The club has also experienced considerable changes among its senior executives, with six departures over the previous 18 months. Chief financial officer Mitesh Velani is expected to leave in the coming months.

A source familiar with the club’s operations told Daily Mail Sport that the disruption within its business structure showed signs of an organisation facing the possibility of relegation.

Thomas Frank Emerges as Potential Replacement

Palace are progressing with discussions over appointing former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank as Sage’s successor.

Frank is expected to take charge before the club’s important fixtures against Coventry and Hull following the international break.

Sage had been appointed in June after Palace paid French club RC Lens £4million in compensation. His previous achievements included winning the French Cup, finishing second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain and being named manager of the season.

It was the first time in a decade that Palace had paid compensation to secure a managerial appointment.

Sage Had Asked for More Time After Liverpool Defeat

Following the loss to Liverpool, Sage maintained that his team had performed better than their position in the league suggested and appealed for more time to address their problems.

He said the club’s priority should be finding an effective solution for the team rather than focusing on his personal position.

Sage also acknowledged the importance of remaining in the Premier League and said the club would have to decide whether it continued to have confidence in him.

He expressed confidence in his own work and suggested that changes during the January transfer window could provide the squad with additional options and improve its performances.

However, the club’s leadership decided to end his tenure after a run of poor results and growing concerns over his management methods.