Crystal Palace have sacked manager Patrick Vieira after 18 months in charge.
Vieira has left Palace after a 12-game winless run in all competitions, with their last win coming against Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve 2022.
That run saw Palace exit the FA Cup in the third round to bottom Premier League side Southampton, while they have slipped to within three points of the relegation zone.
Vieira’s last game in charge of Palace was a 1-0 loss to rivals Brighton, the fourth successive game in which the south London club had failed to score.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Brighton’s win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Palace failed to register a shot on goal in three successive games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, becoming the first Premier League to do so since Opta began recording data in 2003.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said in a statement: “We are extremely sorry that this difficult decision has been made. Ultimately, the results of the past few months have placed us in a precarious position in the league and we feel a trade for the best chance.” to retain Premier League status.
“That being said, Patrick’s impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he is held in the highest regard by me and all of his colleagues.
“He led the team to an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and a respectable 12th place 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.
“Patrick has given everything for the club, and we all thank him and his team for their service.”
Palace have confirmed that, along with Vieira, Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Saïd Aïgoun have also left the club. Dean Kiely will remain as goalkeeping coach while the search for a new manager takes place.
Palace’s next game is a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.
“Firing Vieira was a mistake, Zaha will be disappointed”
Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison speaking to Sky Sports News:
“For me, it’s not the right decision, I don’t think he should have been sacked. I know the run they’ve been on is terrible, without a win since the New Year. But I talk to a lot of people at Palace, the venue has there’s been a lot of togetherness and that’s because of Patrick.
“I know it’s a results-based industry, but the run of games they’ve had is ridiculous. After Arsenal, the next five or six games can be won. I would have stayed with him. I don’t know what other manager can come.” . inside and turn it around.
“It’s hard work and I don’t know who’s out there. Someone like Jesse Marsch? What Palace are used to under Patrick Vieira might be different than what a new manager comes in and implements.”
Patrick Vieira was concerned about the lack of goals at his Crystal Palace
“Then it will take time and Palace don’t have time. They are in a relegation battle, you need confidence and you need someone to come in and lift the team. There will be someone, as you don’t make hasty decisions like firing Vieira without having someone in the line-up.
“I think the investment was not good enough in January, Vieira needed help to strengthen other areas.
“The biggest problem with Palace is scoring goals. They are too dependent on Wilfried Zaha and he got injured a bit recently. Other players need to step up, there are two players in Ebere Eze and Michael Olise who I think will go to the very top I think Palace will stay up now They have talented players on the team.
“There are many players who like Vieira, the harmony there is together. Zaha and Vieira had a brilliant relationship. I can’t speak for him, but I could be disappointed.”
Vieira’s last words as director of the Palace
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Patrick Vieira reflects on Crystal Palace’s 1-0 loss to Brighton, in what would be his last game in charge of the club, following his sacking.
Former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira after the Eagles’ 1-0 loss to Brighton:
“I’m worried about scoring goals. When I look at the team’s performance and look at the work ethic and our organization and how the players execute our plan, I’m pleased with that.”
“The concern I have is that when you create those chances but don’t take them, of course you start to worry about it. We have to score those goals.”
“The players, especially the forwards, have to change their mentality. We have to be more aggressive up front, we have to be more aggressive in the final third. I’m not going to stop pushing that I’m putting them in the moment until we get what we want.
“It’s not about showing more positivity, it’s about showing the ingredients you need to win games. The players worked hard, they worked well, they competed.”
“I’ve never questioned the relationship or the trust I have with the players or the players in me. The way they’ve been playing, we’ve shown that we’re together and I don’t have any concerns about the relationships between me and the players.”
Upcoming Crystal Palace matches
When Palace regroup after the international break in March, their next six games will be against teams below them in the table.
The last time the Eagles played a team below them in the league was against Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve in 2022, which was Vieira’s last win in charge.
March, 19 -Arsenal (a)
April 1st -Leicester (m)
April 8 – Leeds (a)
April 15 – Southampton (one)
April 22 – Everton (f)
April 25th – Wolves
April 29 -West Ham (hrs)