Crystal Palace fired manager Patrick Vieira on Friday. The decision comes after the Frenchman failed to pick up a victory over the last 12 matches. Palace currently sit 12th in the Premier League table, but are just three points from the relegation zone. Three assistant coaches were also sacked by the club.
Crystal Palace chairman admits Vieira decision was difficult
“It is with enormous regret that this difficult decision has been made,” announced Palace chairman Steve Parish. “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 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.”
“Patrick has given his all to the club, and we all thank him and his team for their service.”
Goals have dried up during current campaign
Vieira arrived at the club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. The former Arsenal midfielder was initially praised for his attacking coaching style. Palace gained a reputation during that season for being a fun team to watch by neutrals. Nevertheless, the south London club has been a bit anemic during the current campaign.
Palace have managed just 21 goals in the top flight under Vieira this season. Only Wolves, Everton and Southampton have scored fewer times (all three currently have 20 goals).
The lack of goals clearly put the club behind the eight ball. No Premier League side has picked up fewer points in 2023 than Palace. They have only managed to rack up five points out of a possible 33 during this timeframe.
Palace will now be led temporarily by Paddy McCarthy until the team finds a permanent manager. The Eagles next travel north to face league-leading Arsenal on Sunday.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
