French manager Pierre Sage previously managed Lens and Lyon in Ligue 1. (AFP pic)LONDON: Crystal Palace have sacked French manager Pierre Sage after just five months in charge, with the club bottom of the Premier League.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat by Liverpool was Palace's fourth in succession in a league campaign in which they have just won two of their opening 10 matches. They also have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 24 goals so far this season.

Palace are 21st in the 36-team Europa League table, with one win from their four matches.

"Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Pierre Sage has left his role as manager," said a club statement issued Thursday.