Patrick Vieira ‘turned down THREE Premier League job offers’ after Crystal Palace sacking because he refused to rush comeback… but Frenchman wants return to English top flight this summer
- Patrick Vieira was sacked as Crystal Palace boss in March after a dismal run
- The Frenchman reportedly declined three job offers since leaving the Eagles
- Vieira is keen to secure a return to Premier League management in the summer
Patrick Vieira has set his sights on a return to the Premier League this summer, despite reportedly turning down three job offers following his Crystal Palace sacking.
Vieira was dismissed by the Eagles in March with the club having endured a miserable run of form.
Palace had gone nine league games without a win under the Frenchman, which left the club just above the bottom three.
According to L’Equipe via Foot Mercato, Vieira has declined three offers from Premier League clubs to make a swift return to the dugout.
Leicester and Leeds were reportedly among the clubs to have approached the 46-year-old, with the two relegation threatened clubs then turning to Dean Smith and Sam Allardyce.
Patrick Vieira is keen to return to Premier League management after his Crystal Palace sacking
Vieira reportedly rejected Leeds and Leicester, who appointed Sam Allardyce and Dean Smith
Vieira has been seen working as a pundit during the latter stages of the Premier League season
Vieira was claimed to have declined the roles because he did not want to join a struggling club, with his focus instead being on taking a role in the summer.
The legendary former Arsenal and France midfielder also emerged a leading contender to become Nottingham Forest’s manager in April.
Forest ultimately opted to keep faith with Steve Cooper, who led the club to safety in their first season back in the top flight.
Vieira is believed to have prioritised securing a Premier League role, rather than returning to France.
He had previously managed Nice in Ligue 1 between 2018 and 2020, following his first managerial post at New York City FC in the MLS.
Vieira had received widespread praise for his first season at Palace after guiding his team to a 12th-placed finish, but struggled in his second year in charge.
Since his Crystal Palace sacking, Vieira has worked as pundit and was also seen relaxing on a trip to Barbados last month.
Palace have enjoyed a strong end to the season under Hodgson, with the Eagles winning five and drawing two of his nine matches in charge to climb to 11th in the Premier League.