Crystal Palace are now considering a move for an “incredible” manager, who could be brought in as a replacement for Pierre Sage.
Pierre Sage under fire after defeat against Liverpool
Following the 3-1 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday, which was Palace’s fourth Premier League defeat on the spin, Sage has been in the firing line, with Jamie Carragher suggesting Steve Parish needs to replace the former Lens manager.
Carragher said: “I think that would have been one of the best Crystal Palace performances this season. Liverpool won 3-1 away from home but their goalkeeper was their best player. That tells you how well Palace did.
“But I don’t think you can hang your hat on the performance, especially with a new guy into the Premier League. He’s really struggled so far. I don’t think you can take the risk as an owner when you think of the finances involved. Palace – 14 seasons in the Premier League, we don’t expect them to be [bottom]. They’re an established Premier League club.”
Indeed, for a club that has won three trophies in very recent memory, sitting bottom of the table at this stage of the season isn’t acceptable, and the manner of some of the defeats is a real concern.
The Eagles have conceded 24 goals this season, which is more than any other side in the top flight, and one of the main reasons for their poor league standing.
However, with the Selhurst Park outfit only two points from safety, there is still plenty of time to make a success of the season, but a change of manager may be necessary, and they have already identified a number of potential targets.
Thomas Frank could be a solid option, given that the former Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur boss is very experienced in the Premier League, but Parish & co are also eyeing a move for a current top flight manager.
Crystal Palace considering move for Frank Lampard
According to a report from talkSPORT, Crystal Palace are interested in appointing Frank Lampard, who is currently with Coventry City, after guiding them to promotion as Championship winners last season.
Parish is known to be a big fan of Lampard, but it could be difficult to lure him to Selhurst Park, as the Coventry boss remains under contract until the summer of 2029.
The report also states Sage has had disagreements with several senior players, while Parish wasn’t happy with the Frenchman when Jaydee Canvot was left out earlier this season.
What Mikel Arteta has said about Frank Lampard
Evidently, the Englishman did a stellar job leading Coventry to promotion last season, with the Sky Blues finishing 11 points clear at the top of the table courtesy of collecting 95 points.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also been left very impressed by the 48-year-old, saying earlier this season: “What they’ve done as a club is remarkable, what Frank has done is incredible.
“After so many years without being in the Premier League, they have earned the right to do that and they have earned it in a really special way. Not only that they are where they are, they absolutely deserve where they are and I love the way they play and the courage that they show in every game.”
The former Everton boss has experience in relegation battles too, guiding the Toffees to safety in the 2022 season.
However, the fact Lampard remains under contract is a problem, and it may be better to appoint Frank, given that the Dane kept Brentford in the Premier League for four straight seasons prior to taking the Tottenham Hotspur job ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
