In our opinion, Crystal Palace could now make a move for Marcelo Bielsa as Patrick Vieira struggles at Selhurst Park.
What’s the story?
Well, despite the south Londoners boasting the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise, they have only scored nine goals from open play in 25 Premier League games this season, the least of any side.
That is a truly shocking statistic, and Vieira’s goal shy side now sit just six points above the relegation zone despite a strong start to the campaign.
If the Frenchman cannot turn the situation around, then we believe a move for Bielsa should be explored.
According to The Athletic, the Argentine is ready for a return to the Premier League after being sacked by Leeds in 2022.
Bielsa spoke to Everton and Bournemouth, although nothing materialised in the end.
Nevertheless, the South American is famed for his ability to instil exciting attacking football and intense pressing, something we are definitely not seeing under Vieira right now.
Bielsa won 23 Premier League games for Leeds, impressively finishing ninth in his only full season in charge of the Whites in England’s top-flight.
Bielsa could transform Crystal Palace
As things stand, Vieira is not getting the best out of his attacking players, which is actually Bielsa’s main strength.
The Argentine managed to coach 17 Premier League goals out of Patrick Bamford in the 2020/21 campaign, while also helping Stuart Dallas score eight Premier League goals from midfield that season as well.
Jack Harrison also scored eight Premier League goals from out wide that term.
Bielsa also understands supporters extremely well – as he explains in the video above – so Crystal Palace’s passionate support is something that may attract him.
At the time of writing, Zaha has six goals in 20 Premier League appearances, Eze has four in 25 outings, Edouard three in 22 and Olise has two goals in 24 Premier League games.
That is not good enough for such a talented quartet – if Vieira cannot get them firing, Crystal Palace must get in touch with Bielsa.
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