Pep Guardiola sympathises with Patrick Vieira following Crystal Palace dismissal

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he feels sorry for Patrick Vieira following the Frenchman’s sacking by Crystal Palace.

The former Arsenal midfielder had been under pressure since the start of the new year. Palace have not won this year.

They are just three points above the relegation zone and in danger of dropping into the Championship at the end of the season.

However, Guardiola expressed sympathy for the Frenchman following his dismissal. “I’m so sorry for Patrick Viera,” he said in a press conference ahead of their FA Cup clash against Burnley.

“I don’t know the reason why but new opportunities wait around the corner. I don’t even think about how that affects their game against Arsenal.”

Despite Guardiola saying that he did not know how the sacking would affect the Arsenal versus Crystal Palace game, he will likely monitor the results.

The Premier League champions are five points behind the Gunners in the league with 11 games remaining.

Arsenal are chasing their first title in 19 years. The Premier League table-toppers can now focus all their efforts on the title charge after crashing out of the Europa League yesterday.

They are also out of other domestic competitions and only have the Premier League to aim for.

Man City are on FA Cup duty this weekend. They take on former captain Vincent Kompany’s high-flying Burnley side.

As for Palace, they are considering a return for Roy Hodgson. The former England boss would only be a temporary solution.