Crystal Palace defender: We’re working hard to implement Patrick Vieira’s game plan
Martin Kelly believes it could take time for the Crystal Palace’s squad to adapt to Patrick Vieira’s style of play.
The former Liverpool defender started at right-back in the Eagles’ 2-2 draw with Charlton in midweek.
Palace boss Vieira, appointed as Roy Hodgson’s successor at the start of July, wants to play out from the back.
When asked whether patience was required for the players to adapt to the French legend’s changes at Selhurst Park, Kelly replied: “Most people will understand that we have had a change of manager, so with that comes a change of formation, style of play and players in a new role.
“We have bought players from the Championship who are coming up to the Premier League, so that is a different test in itself.
“We are in the Premier League – it is the toughest league in the world. We’ve had a lot of change this summer. We have got to trust what we’re doing, keep working as hard as we are behind closed doors and understand it is a learning process that we are going through, but one we are all doing together.
“We have to be on board with each other and stick to the game plan. Then hopefully we give the fans want they have been wanting at Selhurst for the past few years, which is to be entertained – because they deserve it.”
Vieira’s side are unbeaten in pre-season but have yet to face opposition above League One level.
“We have been working a lot with the gaffer on his tactics,” said Kelly, who played just one minute of Premier League football last season. “Sometimes we’ve been doing double sessions, morning and afternoon, to try and help us get used to the style of play he’s asking for.
“It was a chance to put our training, tactics and style of play on the pitch [against Charlton]. Fitness is the top priority in pre-season.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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