patrick vieira manager
Looking forward to the game against Brighton?
I’m like every single fan. The ones who are really excited about the game. The atmosphere will be like always which is going to be important for us to really concentrate about the way we want to play the game. What I will want from the players is the same kind of passion, organisation, desire that we showed in the last couple of games. If we manage to be consistent on those kind of performances then we will have a chance of getting a result.
Do the players understand the magnitude of the game?
The players are aware of the derby – the importance of these kinds of games. I did not need to talk about how important it is they know that. My job will be to use this energy and to not forget that we need to play football. If we want to create chances, to score goals, we have to be good on the technical, tactical level because we’re going to face a really good side who are playing at the moment with a lot of confidence and we have to be prepared, be ready – tactically and physically to compete.
Graham Potter praised Vieira – how does that feel?
It’s really good. Obviously, I’m really happy to hear that kind of compliment. I’m really looking forward to meeting him as well because I’ve watched Brighton play the last couple of years and they play some really good football. I think the way that they play, the technical ability of the team, the way that they tried to create superiority in some parts f the field. They play good football, attractive football. I’m really looking forward to the game on Monday as well because since the beginning of the season Brighton is one of the teams who have played some of the best football. For them to be in this position in the table is not luck it’s the quality of the games they have been playing.
What are your memories of derbies as a player?
This is an important game. The fans are looking forward to these kinds of derby games. We have to play with passion, with determination. That is a really important element but we shouldn’t forget, and we won’t forget, the part of the game about our system that we are going to use that will allow us to play well. But if we manage to bring this kind of determination with the ability to play well, then we will allow ourselves more chances of winning games. But we can’t only base this game on that mental and physical aspect, we also have to take other things into consideration.
Is that experience you’ve learned in North London derbies?
Yes of course and those games will always, the heat, both teams playing with a lot of commitment., every duel is really competitive. But if we are only thinking on that aspect of the game it’s not going to be enough for us to take the three points.
Safe standing in the Premier League – are you in favour?
Yes of course. I think the priority would be safety. I think if that safety has been confirmed then I think it’s something that’ll be good for the game. Until then it’ll be difficult to have those kinds of standing stands if the safety is not at the level that will give security for all those in the stadium.
Could you imagine the atmosphere at Selhurst Park being even louder with more stood up?
We are really pleased already with the incredible atmosphere. Having the stand will be even greater. The priority will be safety.
Are you a boxing fan? Will you be watching the Anthony Joshua fight?
I’m really sorry to disappoint you but I ma not a boxing fan no.
What about golf? Are you a golf fan with Ryder Cup coming up?
I am really sorry again. You’re not going to take me to be in front of the TV and watching a game of golf.
Five Premier Leagues into the season – where would you assess the team so far?
There’s a lot of areas in the game we need to improve. The positive side of the team is that since the first game that we played against Chelsea we are stronger, we look more solid. There’s a better understanding of the way we want to play the game and the team are progressing. This is something that’s really important. The more we go into the season the stronger we’ll be. We have players coming back from injuries, we have new players arriving at the football club. If we keep working and improving in the way we did the last couple of weeks we’ll be competing in the Premier League really well.
What has impressed you about Brighton this season?
Neil Maupay – I believe he is a really clinical number nine. He has a lot of energy upfront and is a really good finisher. But I believe the real strength of this team is the collective game, I think when they have the ball they are really close together, the passing , their movement is really good. We expect obviously a tough, challenging game because they are playing at the moment with a lot of confidence.
How are you feeling now as a Premier League manager?
I’m really pleased to be in the Premier League and privileged to manage a club like Crystal Palace. The team is improving, we are getting better. There is a better understanding about the way we want to play and I believe there is more to come from the team. The way the players have been working is really good and we have players who are coming back from injuries who will bring more competitiveness on the field. We are getting better week after week and that is a positive.
Pleased or surprised with how Odsonne Edouard has started?
I’m pleased, happy with him. He came on and scored those two goals. He came on against Liverpoo and he created a couple of situations. He is a player that needs to needs to adapt himself to the Premier League and the football club, he’s working well and that gives me more options upfront about who to select for the games.
Could you play him with Benteke together?
Yes, they can play together.
Would you try that between now and the next few weeks?
It could be two weeks, two months but it gives me options. We can first try it in training to see how it works. That’s one of the options we have.
Do you get a real sense that this is a game you cannot lose?
Yes, this is the derby and to be honest, I’ve learned a lot of how that game is important for every single one in the football club. I watched the documentary that the football club made and I fully understand now the big rivalry between the two clubs. It makes it even more exciting. Players are really forward to that game found these kinds of games. It’s really important to not just base the emotional side of the game, we have to control our emotions and be really focused on how we want to play with the determination and the aggressiveness to put into the game to play a complete game.
In the USA you can drink beer in the stadiums, they are now thinking about bringing that to football stadiums in the UK. As somebody who managed in the USA, what is your view on that?
The culture, the history of that the two countries are different. Again we have to manage when people are going into the stadium to have this safeness. W know that people will go to the game and go home with no problems and issues, that is the priority. Saying that around any kind of decision we should find out what is the best way for people to come to the stadium and have a good time. Having a good time can be watching the game and having a pint of beer. If this is done, why not. But everything has to be put into the struicture that allows people to come watch the game, have a good time and getting home safe.
Injury news?
Jeffrey Schlupp is feeling really good. He started training with the squad end of last week and is doing really well. He’s going to be part of the squad for Monday.
Edouard ready fitness-wise to start?
I think he has been fit, he is ready to start a game. Moving to a different country, the Premier League, he needs time to adapt himself. We will take our time to make him feel comfortable in the club and the way we want to play. He is physically and mentally ready to start the game.
Conor Gallagher – how impressed with him?
He’s been really good for us, really good for the football club. These are players that bring us something we didn’t have. What I mean by that is energy on the field, he is covering a lot of ground and a lot of runs in the opposition half. He is getting in the box, he can score goals. he’s a complete midfielder. I’m, really pleased we managed to bring him here.
How far can he go?
I think it’s how far he wants to go. he has the potential to play at a higher level. He is a kid that is committed in training, is working hard. What is important is for him to be consistent in his performance.
