Crystal Palace Consider Rafael Benitez, Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick and Vincent Kompany for Manager Role Following Patrick Vieira’s Departure.
The job opening at Crystal Palace, which became available after Patrick Vieira was fired, has attracted interest from several managers including Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard, who have both had ties to Liverpool. Vieira, a former Arsenal player, left Selhurst Park on Friday following a 1-0 loss to Brighton in his last match.
Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Patrick Vieira has left his post as First Team Manager.#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 17, 2023
Despite facing several top teams in their recent 11 Premier League games, Palace has not won any of them and is now only three points above the relegation zone with 11 games remaining, having played more games than 18th-placed Bournemouth.
The club’s chairman, Steve Parish, expressed deep sadness in a statement, acknowledging that a tough call had to be made.
“Ultimately, results in recent months have placed us in a precarious league position and we felt a change is necessary to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status.”
Steve Parish, the club’s chairman, praised Patrick Vieira’s contributions to the team since his arrival in 2021, citing their 12th-place finish in the Premier League last season and their FA Cup semi-final appearance.
He also expressed gratitude to Vieira and his coaching staff for their hard work. Crystal Palace is now searching for a new manager, with Rafael Benitez, who led Liverpool to victory in the 2005 Champions League final, among the names reportedly linked to the position.
Rafael Benitez, who left Everton in January 2022, is one of the names being linked to the vacant manager position at Crystal Palace. Another name reportedly in the mix is former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard, who was sacked by Aston Villa in October.
According to The Guardian, Michael Carrick, the former Manchester United midfielder who is currently managing Middlesbrough in the Championship, is also being considered for the role. Additionally, there are reports that Crystal Palace may be interested in hiring Vincent Kompany, who is currently leading Burnley to a 13-point lead in the Championship. The Eagles will face league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
