Are Crystal Palace already destined for failure under Patrick Vieira?
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We all know that Patrick Vieira was a world-class player. Best known for his role in Arsenal’s famous invincibles team, the Frenchman was one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Vieira won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and three Serie A titles across his illustrious playing career – representing European giants such as Milan, Inter, Juventus and Manchester City.
He also won 107 caps for France, winning the 1998 World Cup before triumphing at the European Championship two years later.
But what about Vieira as a manager?
Crystal Palace appointed Vieira as their new boss during the offseason, handing the Frenchman his first managerial job in the country where he made a name for himself.
The 45-year-old replaced long-standing manager Roy Hodgson, who enjoyed four steady years at Selhurst Park.
However, Vieira’s managerial record isn’t exactly outstanding. In fact, you could say he doesn’t deserve to be managing in the Premier League.
The ex-Gunner's first managerial role saw him take charge of Major League Soccer side New York City FC.
Between 2016 and 2018, he oversaw 90 games at NYCFC – picking up 40 wins, 22 draws and 28 losses. That’s a win percentage of 44.44%.
After parting ways with New York City, he returned to his homeland and took charge of League 1 club OGC Nice.
During a two-year stint in France, he registered 35 wins, 22 draws and 32 losses in 89 matches – leaving the club in 2020 with a win percentage of just 39.33%.
At 45, Vieira is still a young manager. He still has plenty of learning to do, and he has yet to prove himself at the highest level.
That said, it feels as though Crystal Palace have taken a huge gamble in appointing someone with such a poor managerial record.
The Eagles appointed an inexperienced manager in Frank de Boer back in 2017, hoping to transform the club.
Instead, the Dutchman was sacked after just five days and 77 days at Selhurst Park – underlining the ruthless nature of chairman Steve Parish.
Palace lost their opening game of the 2021/22 season, going down 3-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
You can’t help but feel that if the Eagles register a series of poor results at the beginning of the new campaign, Vieira will be the one who pays the price.
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