Patrick Vieira admits he needs time as Crystal Palace manager

Having taken over from Roy Hodgson, it was always likely that Patrick Vieira would need time to settle in. The Frenchman was one of many names linked with the Palace job, having left OGC Nice last season. Despite not being the clear first choice, Vieira is believed to have made a big impression upon staff and players upon arrival. However, given the stylistic difference and the massive upheaval in the playing squad, it is likely that he will need time to settle in.

It is believed that the Palace board are comfortable with the time it might take to get things moving forward. Having learned from how quickly the club gave up on their last reboot under Frank de Boer, it is likely that Palace will give Vieira at least the season unless something goes drastically wrong.

When asked about his need for time, though, Vieira was clear that it would take time, saying: “Of course those players need time. As a manager, to put my ideas in place may take longer, but we are quite ambitious and want to perform and compete at this level.”

That should be obvious to most fans, especially given the transformation during the summer. Nine first team players have departed, and so far only Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen, an Marc Guehi have arrived as clear and obvious first-team reinforcements. As such, the Eagles are down on numbers from a squad that looks somewhat tired and bereft at times last season.

Palace fans, then, should expect a slow-burning season as the club looks to make up for lost time. With so many players moving on with key experience, including the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Patrick van Aanholt, Scott Dann, Andros Townsend and Gary Cahill, there is a huge amount of work needed.

Does the weekend provide a sign of what is to come?

Palace were, for the most part, awful against Chelsea. The Blues destroyed the Eagles with relative comfort, dictating the pace of the game and dominating the play in almost every area. For the most part, Palace looked bereft of features, ideas, or commitment to a team way of playing. That could all change quickly, especially as Vieira arrived so late mid-summer and with so much work to be done.

With a lot to deal with for a young coach, there is going to be an obvious adjustment period. Palace have undergone arguably the biggest rebuild since the Steve Parrish era began, and it will take time. Despite prior coaching experience in the US and in France, Vieira is still for the most part a rookie as a coach. As such, it will take time for his ideas to stick, and he will need to be allowed to be given time to make mistakes.

Palace fans, then, should be willing for a change to take place – but should not be expecting too much, too soon. This will likely be a similar situation to previous years in that Palace will fight relegation, or at least be in the bottom half of the table. With foundations in place, though, future seasons could be far more fruitful.