A very interesting claim has been made about Patrick Vieira and Leeds United after the Frenchman was sacked by Crystal Palace.
What’s the story?
Well – according to David Ornstein and Matt Woosnam of The Athletic – the Frenchman was interested in replacing Jesse Marsch at Elland Road back in February.
Eventually, Leeds decided to hire Javi Gracia after failing to appoint Andoni Iraola or Arne Slot.
The Athletic believe Vieira became frustrated with the lack of recruitment at Selhurst Park, and was considering his future as a result.
That led to an intrigue in the vacancy at Leeds – however, no formal contact with the Whites ever materialised, and Vieira has now been sacked by the sound Londoners after 12 games without a win.
Interestingly, The Athletic mention that Crystal Palace would not have stood in his way.
It speaks volumes about how frustrated the 46-year-old was at Crystal Palace that he expressed interest in the Leeds job while holding the reins at one of their relegation rivals.
Clearly, there was major discontent behind the scenes at Selhurst Park, and it has now culminated in Vieira losing his job as Crystal Palace find themselves just three points above the relegation zone.
Leeds United could hire Patrick Vieira this summer
If things do not work out with Gracia in Yorkshire, then Vieira could soon get another chance to apply for the Leeds job.
The Spaniard has only been appointed on a contract until the end of the season.
Therefore, if Leeds decide to go down another route when the 52-year-old’s terms expire in July, Vieira could be in with a chance to manage at Elland Road.
However, we highly doubt the Frenchman would be considered after his efforts at Crystal Palace this season.
The south Londoners have only scored nine goals in open play this term across 27 Premier League games – the least of any side, as detailed by WhoScored.
Crystal Palace also recently went three Premier League games without having a single shot on target – according to Opta, that is the first time on record this has ever happened.
In that respect, we doubt Leeds would be keen to hire Vieira.
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