Roberts reveals Vieira's response to Norwich victory
Osian Roberts provided an update on Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira after his side’s victory over Norwich City.
Osian Roberts provided an update on Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira after his side’s victory over Norwich City.
Crucially, Roberts said Vieira is “doing well”, before revealing the manager’s response to a 3-0 win.
“Patrick is doing well, and is delighted with the result. We’re in constant dialogue, a good communications strategy to make sure we’re able to follow his instructions in the game and throughout the week. We’re waiting to see when he’ll be back at the Training Ground and back at the helm.
“I don’t enjoy [managing] at all because I want Patrick back in the technical area and back here. My role is to assist and support as best I possibly can. As staff we have a responsibility to do that and always will. My sole focus is on making sure everything he wants done is done to the best of our ability.
“Of course I miss him on a daily basis at work and can’t wait to get him back with us because it’s important for the staff and players. In the meantime we’ll do everything we can to get through this period.”
Looking at the game more closely, Roberts said he felt winning this match was important given the circumstances, and focused on one man’s game in particular: Will Hughes’.
“It was a good day for us, performance-wise and result-wise. It was really important for us today, especially on the back of Sunday and playing at home. It was important we had a good start the game and good energy.
“The supporters have been fantastic in their support and the way they help the players perform at a high level. Likewise how the players are performing on the pitch is getting the best out of the supporters. Certainly there’s a great atmosphere at every home game; it’s a special event for us. At the moment it’s working very well and long may that continue.
“Everybody knows the quality Will possesses. It’s taken him a little bit of time to settle in to the group at the beginning of the season. He’s now in a good place physically and he’s an important player at the heart of midfield.
"We’re delighted with what we’re getting from him. There’s even more to come as he gets used to the demands put on him - he’ll only get stronger and stronger.”