Crystal Palace sack Patrick Vieira after just one win in 13 Premier League games
Crystal Palace have sacked manager Patrick Vieira after a run of one win in 13 Premier League games.
Palace chairman Steve Parish told the club website: “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.”
Vieira had been in charge at Selhurst Park since July 2021.
The club sit just three points above the relegation zone and were beaten 1-0 by Brighton on Wednesday, their third defeat in a row.
They have scored just 21 goals in 27 Premier League games - one of the lowest returns in the league.
Parish added: “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.”
Three members of Vieira’s coaching staff – Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Said Aigoun – have also left Selhurst Park.
Parish added: “Patrick has given his all to the club, and we all thank him and his team for their service.
“We also wish Patrick, Osian, Kristian and Said the very best for their futures.”
Palace say the process to appoint a new manager is under way and they will provide an update in due course. Dean Kiely will remain as goalkeeping coach.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To know
Vieira was the only black manager in the Premier League and was recently named on a list of the most influential black figures in the English game.
Last month, Vieira told ITV News London he was disappointed by the lack of black managers in top football jobs and claimed attitudes within the game were slow to change.
Patrick Vieira is considered as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and became a north London legend after joining Arsenal in 1996.
He also had a spell in coaching at Manchester City's academy in 2013 leaving to sign for Major League Soccer club New York City FC.
Vieira then returned to France to manage Ligue 1 club Nice before moving to Crystal Palace in 2021.