Patrick Vieira has been sacked as Crystal Palace manager.
Vieira, 46, leaves the club after 20 months in charge following Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat away to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, a result that leaves them just three points above the relegation zone.
US businessman Josh Harris, one of Palace’s co-owners, was at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday to watch the latest defeat, which came 24 hours later the athlete showed that Vieira was under increasing pressure.
Chairman Steve Parish said: “We deeply regret that this difficult decision has been made. Ultimately, the results of the last few months have put us in a precarious league position and we felt a change was necessary to have the best chance of retaining Premier League status.
“Nonetheless, Patrick’s impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant and he is greatly appreciated by me and all of his colleagues. He led the team to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final and a respectable 12th place finish with exciting football last season, which has been a challenging and crucial season for the club given the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival.
“Patrick has given his all for 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 future.”
Palace have the worst record in the Premier League in 2023 and are the only team yet to win this year, drawing five games and losing six.
Vieira was appointed Palace manager in July 2021, replacing Roy Hodgson and signing a three-year deal.
Palace finished 12th in Vieira’s first season in charge, amassing 48 points and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Chelsea.
But this season has been more difficult for Selhurst Park Club as Palace have accumulated just 27 points from 27 games. Most of these (22) were won before January, with Palace at the end of December in 11th place and nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Palace have to travel to Arsenal on Sunday before the international break. They will then host Leicester City on April 1, followed by games against Leeds United, Southampton and Everton.
Vieira was previously sacked by Ligue 1 club Nice after poor form in winter 2020. The Frenchman coached New York City FC for two years before spending 18 months at the French Riviera.
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