Patrick Vieira, the manager of Crystal Palace, is the only manager of colour in the Premier League at the moment. The former Arsenal player, who won the world championship in 1998 with France, calls attention to the lack of black managers in English football.
According to a recent study, only 4.4% of managers and 43 percent of players. In the Premier League and the three levels below are black. “We must provide opportunity for individuals of colour. We must be given the same opportunity as everyone else because we are equally as excellent as everyone else,” Vieira said on The BBC Football Show.
Patrick Vieira, the manager of Crystal Palace demands equal oppurtunities
“Look at the top five countries in Europe, and you don’t find enough black coaches at the first and second levels,” the Frenchman remarked. “There aren’t many choices there. We struggle to establish a stronger connection with the decision-makers as black football players. Overall though, I don’t believe we have the opportunity to practise what we’re good at in management.” Vieira explained, “by management, I not only mean the team but also the higher-up functions. More chances must be given to us to show that we are superior.”
At Selhurst Park, Vieira is in his second season as the final decision-maker. He also discussed his personal route to the coaching profession. “Director Brian Marwood at Manchester City and I had a lot of conversations. And he helped me realise that my playing experience alone was insufficient. I went to obtain my trainers diplomas for that reason. I was surrounded by nice individuals who provided me the opportunity to recover from my mistakes and move on to work at Palace with faith and confidence in my managerial abilities,” the former midfielder for Arsenal concluded.
Vieira’s Palace who are currently 13th in the league will take on cross town rivals West Ham United FC this sunday in a league fixture.
