Roy Hodgson makes Patrick Vieira managerial prediction after Crystal Palace sacking

Roy Hodgson has backed Patrick Vieira to have a “big future” in football management after he was sacked by Crystal Palace.

The former England and Liverpool boss has also predicted a swift return to the dugout for Vieira.

French World Cup winner Vieira, 46, replaced Hodgson after he stepped away from Selhurst Park at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Vieira was sacked after the 1-0 defeat at Brighton before the international break, with the Eagles recording just one win in 16 under the former Nice boss.

Hodgson, 75, was announced as Vieira’s replacement until the end of the season. 

The Eagles are three points above the Premier League relegation zone and are the only side in the top four divisions without a win in 2023.

“When you get asked to take on a job, it’s at someone else’s expense – that’s not a pleasant situation to find yourself in,” said Hodgson.

“I do know that Patrick Vieira has a big future ahead of him as a manager. There is no doubt that he will get another club very soon – I don’t doubt that for one minute. 

“I can only hope that the experiences he has had here won’t disturb his chances of doing very well in the next job. 

“He has all the tools necessary to become a top manager.”

When asked if he had a chance to have any conversations with Vieira since his dismissal, Hodgson said: “I had chances, but I don’t know that it’s the right thing to do.

“I had dinner with him after a period of time when he took the job.

“We got on very well. I have always admired him very much as a player and now had the chance to admire him as a person.

“When you come in and someone has just lost their job – unless it happens to be a close friend – it’s not an easy thing to do to pick up the phone.

“I don’t know quite what I would say to him.”