Patrick Vieira has already outdone Ian Holloway in one area ahead of Brighton clash

Hopefully, Patrick Vieira’s first meeting with Brighton doesn’t go as badly as Ian Holloway’s second clash with the Seagulls did back in 2013.

The 56-year-old took his Crystal Palace side down to the south coast, only to watch them get hammered by three goals to nil.

After the game, Holloway angered supporters even more by playing the rivalry down and describing it as ‘nonsense’ – talk about worsening the situation.

Holloway later added to these comments, telling the Evening Standard how the geography aspect of the rivalry had left him confused.

He even revealed one fan had got to grips with him to ask if he knows about the rivalry yet!

Ahead of Monday’s meeting with the Seagulls, Vieira has already made sure not to put his foot in his mouth in a similar manner.

What did Patrick Vieira say about Brighton?

Annoyingly, Sky Sports claimed that Vieira ‘knows all about’ the rivalry we have with Brighton, but never released the exact quotes.

You can see Michael Bridge’s claim below.

Perhaps these quotes will emerge closer to Monday’s kick-off, but for now, we’ll have to take Bridge’s word that Vieira has done his research.

Regardless, that is more research than Holloway did – the ex-Blackpool boss had no idea about the bitterness between the two clubs.

Just by the type of player he was, you’d assume Vieira will be fired up for this one.

If all goes well, we’ll hopefully see a repeat of this interaction with OGC Nice’s ultras, after they beat Monaco in the the Derby de la Cote d’Azur.

Just imagine Vieira stood in the Homesdale after a win over Brighton – it would truly be the stuff of dreams.

Hopefully, the Frenchman’s can get his second win as Crystal Palace manager this Monday – he’d be an instant hero if he does.

Tags:amex stadiumeaglesgraham pottergus poyetian hollowaypatrick vieiraseagullsselhurst park

Billy Meyers

Billy Meyers is an experienced, professional football writer who has previously carried out a number of interviews with leading figures in football, including England’s Striker Coach Allan Russell. He is a passionate Crystal Palace fan who has held a season ticket for many years, and still carries fond memories of the hugely entertaining partnership between Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie from the 2012/13 campaign – what a season that was. Billy is a regular contributor to We Are Palace – where he tries not to moan too much about the Eagles.