Osian Roberts says creating a culture of a ‘healthy conflict’ is crucial in helping Crystal Palace develop under Patrick Vieira, in his first interview as the club’s assistant manager.
“Yes and no – and that’s a good thing,” he said when asked if he and Vieira view football in the same way. “That’s what he expects from me: that he gets a different voice, a different opinion and a different view on things.
“And we will disagree. I’m not here to say yes on everything and that’s not what he wants, but we do that in the correct way. We want conflict, and we want conflict with players and we’re already encouraging that.
“That’s why we have regular unit meetings to have discussions with the players, because ultimately it is the players that have to go out on the pitch and deliver, so the must be part of the process and take ownership. To do that we must discuss that, and be open.
“And nobody has all the answers, but collectively we can find solutions, and that’s how we work in the first-team environment. That’s the difference, it must be healthy conflict with everyone having that approach, that identity and vision, and we’re all aiming and striving for the same thing.
“We value each and every person that’s part of the staff and part of the playing staff.”
Roberts’ relationship with Vieira goes back many years, having helped him in his formative years as a coach, but this is the first time they will work together at club level.
“Patrick came and did his coaching education with us in Wales,” explains Roberts. “I remember going to Man City to speak to him about the next stage of his coaching career. Marcel Desailley, who had been with us on the Welsh programme, recommended that he spoke to me.
“So we sat down and had a long conversation about what he wanted to do next and how he was going to achieve it, and he was convinced that coming into our programme with the relationships that he would develop was the best way for him.
“Since those days we’ve kept in close contact as he’s gone on his coaching education pathway, from the B to the A to the Pro License. So it’s been a close relationship for a long time now, but of course now we’re working side by side for the first time. I think we fit well together.”
Vieira’s experience at Manchester City and New York City stand him in good stead for a first Premier League role, according to Roberts.
“What I like about Patrick is that he’s taken the necessary steps to arriving in the Premier League as a coach,” he says. “ He’s done all the hard work away from the lenses, I suppose, when he started with the youth team at Manchester City, developing himself as a coach.
“The challenge of the MLS is a definite challenge for any coach, and he served his time there, and then of course in Ligue 1 with Nice the same. So he’s developed himself along the way to make sure he’s ready for this challenge here at what is a fantastic club: great history, great tradition.
“We’re eager to make sure we help this club for the next few years to prosper.”
Ahead of the first home fixture as Assistant Manager, Roberts is looking forward to experiencing the Selhurst Park atmosphere from the dugout.
“I can’t wait. I’ve been to Selhurst Park on several occasions as Assistant Manager of Wales coming to watch our Welsh players, and I’ve always loved the atmosphere coming in as a neutral.
“But now of course, being part of the club is going to be extra special. And I know speaking to friends and colleagues working at other clubs around the Premier League, it’s probably everyone’s favourite ground to come and visit in terms of atmosphere.
“It’s an authentic club, which has those old fashioned values that is still respected wherever you go in the game.
“My first observation of the first three weeks is that we’ve got an honest ground of players, who are prepared to do everything they possibly can to succeed. So as a starting point it gives us a chance.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do and we’re under no illusions, but we’re really looking forward to doing that because we want to make sure those special fans have got plenty to cheer this year.”