Patrick Vieira has praised Todd Boehly for giving Graham Potter a chance following the controversial Thomas Tuchel sacking ahead of the London derby this weekend between Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Premier League.
In a weekend where the North London Derby and Manchester version dominate the big headlines in game week 8 of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, Palace vs Chelsea is usually a big game of not, especially considering the mixed record the Blues have at Selhurst Park. However, this time round, the fixture isn't on TV and will be played during the 3 PM blackout.
Just like it was last season too when Hakim Ziyech's late goal was enough for the current World Champions following their exploits in the UAE back at the start of 2022.
Fast forward nearly eight months and just as usual, a lot has changed at Chelsea since that 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park. Whether that's Boehly's joint £4.25billion takeover with Clearlake Capital or the absence of Thomas Tuchel, Vieira will be facing a very different Blues outfit who are now in transition under new manager Potter.
READ MORE: Graham Potter handed quadruple Chelsea blow as N'Golo Kante ruled out of Crystal Palace clash
The former Brighton manager has already spoken about the feelings of his first Premier League game being against a rival club of the Seagulls and the challenges that will pose to his mindset with the Englishmen not faring well when coming up against the south Londoners.
"I've missed those stats bringing a bit of negativity," Potter responded in his pre-match press conference on Friday when reminded that he has yet to beat Saturday's opposition.
"It just shows how the Premier League is and how tough it is. We've had some tough games against Palace where we could have won and the margins are small but that's how it is. That's history. We're looking forward to the game on Saturday and changing that record."
Whilst also admiring Vieira in his pre-match press conference, his managerial counterpart reciprocated the respect and even went as far as to say that Boehly was right to hand Potter the opportunity to replace Tuchel.
He said on his side's approach to this fixture via cpfc.com: “We just look at what he has been doing at Brighton, and analysing the first game [Chelsea] played in the Champions League.
“Seeing if there is something we can take to allow ourselves to perform in a better way.
“When a manager works well for a couple of years, he deserves a chance in one of the top teams. When you look at his record in the last couple of years, he’s been doing fantastically well with Brighton and today he’s with Chelsea.
“I wish him all the best – after the game on Saturday.”
In spite of Potter only playing out one game in the last 23 days which was the RB Salzburg Champions League draw, Palace will be well briefed about what their manager saw as he was present alongside Gareth Southgate for that game.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
Every word Graham Potter said on N'Golo Kante, Marc Cucurella, Chelsea change and Crystal Palace
Graham Potter needs to fix Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea problem with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hope
Graham Potter facing crucial Chelsea selection decision in first Premier League game in charge
Graham Potter has been told why Thiago Silva has to start for Chelsea against Crystal Palace
