Patrick Vieira explains Crystal Palace appeal as appointment confirmed
Crystal Palace have confirmed the appointment of Patrick Vieira as their new manager on a three-year contract.
Palace were the last Premier League club with a managerial vacancy ahead of the new season after Roy Hodgson’s departure. They have been looking for someone to take them in an exciting new direction, but struggled to convince some of their targets. Now, though, they have their new boss in place.
Former Arsenal midfielder Vieira recently emerged as a top candidate for the role. He has now signed a three-year deal to take the reins at Selhurst Park. It will be his first job in management since leaving Ligue 1 side in December.
The ex-Manchester City reserve coach has never managed in the Premier League, but now gets the chance to do so.
He told Crystal Palace’s website: “I am really excited to have this opportunity to return to the Premier League, and manage this great football club, as we begin a new chapter together.
“It is a project that is really appealing to me, having spoken a lot with the Chairman and Sporting Director about their ambition and plans for the whole club, including the Academy.
“The club has fantastic foundations in place after many years in the Premier League, and I hope we can make further improvements and continue to drive the club forward.
“I am also very excited to experience the atmosphere the club’s supporters make at Selhurst Park and away from home too, and I know just how important that can be for the team.”
Vieira has a big job ahead of him, as several players were released at the end of their contracts along with previous manager Hodgson.
He will have to replenish his ranks with more talent from elsewhere, while also overseeing a transition to a new playing style.
Parish explains Vieira choice
Chairman Steve Parish said: “I’m delighted and excited that Patrick has agreed to join Crystal Palace as our manager following successfully learning his trade at the City Group, and experiencing positive managerial spells at New York City and then Nice, who he led to the Europa League.
“We have a lot to do to prepare in the coming weeks and I look forward to working closely with Patrick and Dougie [Freedman] in bringing in some new faces to help us all to a successful season.”
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Pre-season training begins on Monday for Palace, so Vieira will be getting straight to work.
The Eagles came 14th in the Premier League last season. They will now hope to make more progress under the Frenchman.
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