Patrick Vieira has been sacked as manager of Crystal Palace.
Vieira, 46, leaves the club after 20 months in charge following their 1-0 away loss to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, a result that left them just three points above the relegation zone.
American businessman Josh Harris, one of Palace’s co-owners, was at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday to watch their latest defeat, which came 24 hours after Athleticism revealed that Vieira was under increasing pressure.
Chairman Steve Parish said, “It is with tremendous regret that this difficult decision has been made. Ultimately, the results of recent months have left us in a precarious position in the league and we felt a change was needed to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status.
“Having said that, Patrick’s impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he is held in very high regard by myself and all his colleagues. He has led the team to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final and a respectable 12th place finish last season playing exciting football, which has been a difficult and crucial campaign for the club given the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival.
“Patrick has given the club his all, and we all thank him and his team for their service.
“We also wish Patrick, Osian, Kristian and Said the 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, with five draws and six defeats.
Vieira was appointed Palace manager in July 2021, replacing Roy Hodgson and signing a three-year contract.
Palace finished 12th in Vieira’s first season in charge, accumulating 48 points, and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals where they were eliminated by Chelsea.
But this season has been more difficult for the Selhurst Park club, with Palace picking up just 27 points from 27 games. The majority of those (22) were won before January, with Palace 11th and nine points clear of the relegation zone at the end of December.
Palace face a move 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 side Nice after poor form in the winter of 2020. The Frenchman had coached New York City FC for two years before his 18-month spell on the French Riviera.
GO FURTHER
Three from nine – breaking down the closest Premier League relegation battle in years
(Photo: Getty Images)