Premier League: Patrick Vieira dismissed as Palace manager
Another Premier League boss has lost his job.
On Friday 17th March, Crystal Palace confirmed that Patrick Vieira has left his post as First Team Manager.
Three members of his coaching staff - Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Saïd Aïgoun - have also left the club.
Chairman Steve Parish told cpfc.co.uk: “It is with enormous regret that this difficult decision has been made. Ultimately, results in recent months have placed us in a precarious league position and we felt a change is necessary to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status. That said, Patrick’s impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he is held in the highest regard by myself, and all of his colleagues.
"He led the team to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final and a respectable 12th-placed finish last season playing some exciting football, which was a challenging and crucial campaign for the club given the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival."
All the best reaction to this news
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany gave his thoughts about the decision. He told the media that the sacking of Patrick Vieira didn't sit well with him following their difficult run.
Alex, a Crystal Palace fan, told us: "I think this is a really strange decision, to be honest. We've had a difficult run over the last few weeks. However, we've faced some tough opposition."
This was a view supported by Laura. She messaged us on Facebook: "I'm gutted. For all his results, Vieira was starting to change things for the better at the club. That is despite some difficult results."
Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Patrick Vieira has left his post as First Team Manager.#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 17, 2023
One Palace fan replied to the above tweet: "This is a real shame. The board have to shoulder some of the responsibility for not properly planning the transfer windows, esp finding someone to fill CGs boots, and dealing with the ongoing goal drought (which pre-dates Viera). However on balance, this is the right decision. Bielsa please."
Another fan added: "Sacking him after he took that squad of yours to Newcastle, Liverpool and United and actually came away with points and is currently in 12th while Zaha is out injured is shocking. Normal people couldn't even do that on Football Manager."
It will certainly be interesting to see where Palace finish this season. For all the qualities of the former French midfielder, he had struggled at times. Who will be their next manager?
