Crystal Palace have now been linked with the appointment of a “top-level” manager to replace Pierre Sage after the start of the Premier League season.
Pierre Sage and Oliver Glasner fight
Replacing Oliver Glasner was always going to be a difficult task as the Austrian won three trophies during his spell at Selhurst Park, but Sage fits the bill after lifting the French Cup with Lens last season.
The Frenchman also led his side to second place in Ligue 1, but instead of competing with the big boys in the Premier League, a relegation battle is more likely for Palace this season.
The Eagles have collected just seven points from nine matches, which means they are currently in the relegation zone, one point above Nottingham Forest, and journalist Rahman Osman notes that Glasner’s departure has had a huge impact on both clubs.
Sage-fighting Steve Parish & co have begun identifying potential replacements, including Sean Dyche, who is already making a name for himself as a survivalist.
Most recently, the Englishman was in charge of Forest, where he did not last long and was sacked in February before Vitor Pereira led Tricky Trees to safety.
However, Dyche could be a reliable pair of hands in the past with Burnley and Everton avoiding relegation, but is now being considered for a more left-field assignment.
Sean Dyche’s managerial record | Matches | Points per match |
Nottingham Forest | 25 | 1.40 |
Everton | 83 | 1.23 |
Burnley | 425 | 1.34 |
Watford | 49 | 1.37 |
Crystal Palace are closing in on Anthony Barry
According to The Mirror , England assistant Anthony Barry has emerged as the front-runner for the Crystal Palace job with Sage under increasing pressure having won just two Premier League games this season.
The former Lens boss could be handed the death penalty as he is expected to take charge of Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Hoffenheim, with Sunday’s result against Liverpool also likely to play a big role in deciding his future.
However, if the poor form continues, Barry will replace Sage and has already been linked with Thomas Tuchel’s number two, who has already received rave reviews from Tuchel and Tuchel.
What Thomas Tuchel had to say about Anthony Barry
Tuchel may not want to lose his right hand after he said during the World Cup in the summer: “You see the quality. This guy is the best coach. He’s an inspiration and pushes me and helps me and supports me. It’s just top notch.”
The Three Lions finished third in the competition, their best finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, and Barry was also with Chelsea when they won the Champions League in 2021 and Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich in 2022-23.
However, the 40-year-old is yet to reign as a manager, instead making a name for himself as part of Tuchel’s backroom staff, meaning he could be a risky appointment for the Eagles.
There is still plenty of time to turn things around this season, but with Palace in the bottom three, hiring a manager with plenty of experience in relegation battles may be the smarter move.