SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has given a positive assessment of Crystal Palace under new head coach Patrick Vieira but insists their style of play “can also be an advantage”. Premier League legend Vieira has taken his first managerial job in the spotlight after spells with New York City and Nice, replacing the experienced Roy Hodgson.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “After a tough start where they had a few issues, they were finding each other very quickly. It’s always tough for a new manager with pre-season to bring your way of playing football in the Premier League. But it looks more and more that the quality in every position is very flexible with every gameplan, this gives a very competitive team and is the reason why they have had some good results. They have also dropped a few points from winning positions which is sometimes our problem, but in total it’s an opponent who is strong.”
And on their attacking style of play, Hasenhuttl thinks he can spot a way for Saints to exploit it
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “This can be also an advantage as sometimes you get more space for the counterattack, but you have to say also that their reverse gear is becoming also better. It was definitely a very good performance that they shown yesterday, we have to go there and not be surprised if it is a tough game to play.”
