Crystal Palace are considering replacing head coach Pierre Sage at Selhurst Park, with Tony Popovic emerging as a potential candidate. The club are sitting bottom of the league table and facing a relegation battle.
Sage's position
Pierre Sage is on the verge of being sacked. Crystal Palace have suffered seven defeats in their first ten Premier League fixtures of the 2026/27 campaign and lost 3-1 to Liverpool on Sunday.
According to talkSPORT, Parish has decided to end Pierre Sage's tenure after 16 matches in charge.
Frank leads the early race
Former Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has emerged as the early frontrunner to replace Pierre Sage. Crystal Palace are reportedly considering several alternatives to Thomas Frank, including Tony Popovic.
According to the report cited by CaughtOffside, Tony Popovic is among the names being considered by Crystal Palace as they assess potential replacements for Pierre Sage.
Popovic's Palace history
Tony Popovic is 53 years old and currently manages the Australian national team. The former Crystal Palace defender joined the club on a free transfer from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in August 2001 and made over 120 appearances across five seasons.
Popovic earned the captain's armband at Crystal Palace and played a key role in the club's 2003/04 promotion campaign to the Premier League. After retiring, he returned to Selhurst Park in 2011 to serve as an assistant manager under Dougie Freedman.
Coaching background
Popovic has had a head coaching career across the A-League, Asia and international management with Australia. He has built a reputation for organising competitive teams and has a long-standing relationship with Crystal Palace.
