Pep Guardiola praises Patrick Vieira for changing Crystal Palace ‘dynamic’ and tips Xavi for Barcelona job

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola credited Patrick Vieira with improving the mood at Crystal Palace following the Frenchman’s strong start at the club.

Although the Eagles have won just once under Vieira ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to the Etihad Stadium, his freshened-up side has put in a number of good performances.

Guardiola said of the former City man: “He’s changed the dynamic, the way Palace play, changing many things. They always had really good players.

“I was delighted to see him again, he was here in my first season here. He was an important part of Arsenal’s history. After he went to New York, I’m happy he’s back at a high level, doing really well.

“Their last games were tough. They showed their quality and I’m looking forward to seeing him. Every manager around the world has the chance to manage [in the Premier League].”

Guardiola, 50, also praised former player Xavi ahead of his potential appointment at Barcelona.

Ronald Koeman’s sacking in the week could herald the legend’s return, after he won several trophies under Guardiola as a player. But the City boss cautioned that he will only be able to win if he is given good players.

“They have an interim manager, Sergi [Barjuan], and I wish him the best of luck, he's a close friend,” Guardiola told reporters. “[With] Xavi, I don't know what will happen.

“I'm pretty sure sooner or later it will happen. I don't have any doubts that he's ready to do the job. He knows the environment which is so important in this role. He knows the game, he has passion.

“He has more experience now that I had when I took over from the B-team at Barcelona.

“Koeman knows and Sergi knows and Xavi knows and I know, the success depends on the quality and the commitment and the players.

“People still forget we are the responsible for everything but our influence is more minimal than people believe. It's the quality of the player. The success I had was because of the quality of the players. This is the only reason, the quality of the players.”

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