We’re in peril, says Vieira

PRESSURE is mounting on Patrick Vieira amid Crystal Palace’s winless 2023, with the manager conceding he is concerned as Manchester City visit Selhurst Park today. Vieira (right) admits his 12th-placed team are in a relegation battle as they prepare to face City, Brighton and Arsenal in the next week.

There is no suggestion Vieira will lose his job if they are beaten today. And he insisted Palace’s players are up for the fight. ‘If I am sitting in front of you and telling you that I am not concerned, it would be a lie,’ Vieira said of Palace’s run, which has seen five draws and five defeats this year. ‘Of course we are aware of our position. It is important for us to remain calm and keep working and improving. ‘Pressure? I have had pressure since the first time I signed at this club. This is what the Premier League is about. ‘Every single manager has pressure to perform. I see myself as no different. Anything can happen. We are part of nine, 10 teams who have to fight to stay in the Premier League. But we are in a better position than some.’ The international break will be prime time for clubs to change managers, but Vieira trusts his players to deliver before then. ‘There is no fear at all,’ Vieira said. ‘It will be a challenging week for us but it is a challenge we want to face.’