The 3-1 loss to Liverpool at Selhurst Park extended Palace’s winless league run and left them with just seven points from their opening 10 matches. They have conceded 24 goals, the worst defensive record in the division, and have won only twice in the league this season.
Internal discussions have reportedly taken place over whether Sage should remain in charge, with the club also considering potential successors. Frank, formerly of Tottenham and Brentford, is viewed as a strong candidate, while former Nottingham Forest manager Dyche is understood to have support within the club.
Sage was appointed in June on a three-year contract following Oliver Glasner’s departure. The Frenchman arrived with an impressive record after guiding Lens to second place in Ligue 1 and winning the French Cup, but has struggled to reproduce that success in south London.
Palace’s recent league defeats have increased the pressure. Their losing sequence began with a 5-0 defeat against Brighton, and they have not won a Premier League match since October 11.
The club’s European campaign has also been difficult, with one victory from four matches leaving them 21st in the Europa League standings.
There have been mitigating circumstances during Sage’s opening months. Injuries have disrupted his plans, while the availability of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr has also been affected by fitness and personal issues, with both players linked to a desire to leave the club.
However, the run of results has intensified scrutiny of the manager, who could become the first Premier League managerial departure of the season.
Sage insisted after the Liverpool defeat that he remained focused on finding solutions rather than worrying about his position.
“It's not from the dream to the nightmare,” he said. “I'm not feeling this. I'm just in my job, and focusing on my job, and what I have to do to find the solution.
“The results are not at this level, and I know I have to push more on those things, especially in our way of playing, to make that move.”
The coming international break gives Crystal Palace time to consider their next move, but the club’s position at the bottom of the table means the pressure on Sage is unlikely to ease without a significant improvement.