According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace are close to appointing Patrick Vieira as manager, ending the hunt for Roy Hodgson’s replacement.
What’s the story?
Well, after a lengthy process, it seems Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman have settled on the 45-year-old as Crystal Palace’s next manager.
The Eagles had agreed a deal with Lucien Favre, only for the 63-year-old to perform a dramatic U-turn at the last minute.
Now, Vieira – who last managed OGC Nice in 2020 – looks set to roam the Selhurst Park dugout for the foreseeable future.
He had attracted interest from Bournemouth, only for the Cherries to hire Scott Parker instead.
Vieira’s deal – which L’Equipe believe is a three-year contract – is yet to be signed, although it has been agreed in principle.
Crystal Palace are now working to secure the Frenchman a Visa.
How has Patrick Vieira’s managerial career gone?
Simply put, Vieira hasn’t set the world of management alive just yet.
The Arsenal legend was sacked by OGC Nice after a string of disappointing results in 2020.
That dismissal came after he left his role at New York City, where he actually did quite well.
However, Major League Soccer simply isn’t comparable to the Premier League.
Vieira has won 115 of his 253 games in management, although he is far from proven as a coach.
This is a huge risk for Crystal Palace.
Hopefully, it doesn’t all end in tears.
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