Crystal Palace have sacked Patrick Vieira as manager after failing to win any of their 12 matches in all competitions in 2023.
Vieira’s departure comes after a disastrous start to 2023 in which Palace claimed just five points from 11 league matches, which has left them sat three points above the relegation zone despite sitting in 12th position in the table.
Palace also blew a 1-0 lead to crash out of this season’s FA Cup in the Third Round to Southampton in a 2-1 defeat, having reached the semi-finals of last season’s competition where they lost to Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, London.
The downturn in results however have now led Palace bosses to make the “difficult decision” to sack Vieira, in order to give the club a chance at Premier League survival.
Palace Chairman, Steve Parish issued the following statement in light of Vieira’s departure, as he said: “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.”
Parish went on to praise Vieira for his contributions across his time at the club since taking the helm in July 2021, as he continued: “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.”
Parish also confirmed that Vieira’s coaching staff – Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Saïd Aïgoun have also been relieved of their duties, with the quartet wished “the very best for their futures.”
Dean Kiely will however remain as Goalkeeping Coach as Palace prepare to visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 19 March, in a 2pm GMT kick-off in the Premier League.
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