Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has delivered his verdict on Crystal Palace and their boss Patrick Vieira ahead of the Premier League encounter on Saturday.
The Englishman was appointed as head coach at Stamford Bridge earlier in the month and will have 23 days before his first Premier League match at the club.
However, he has already taken charge of a Champions League clash - drawing 1-1 with FC Salzburg before the international break.
Advert
Preparations have been interrupted by the passing of Queen Elizabeth, as well as an international break before Potter gets to take charge of his first Premier League clash at Chelsea.
The 47-year-old has failed to beat Crystal Palace in his time as a manager, taking charge of seven derbies with Brighton.
He will now be looking to take advantage of the superior squad he has at Chelsea to overcome Vieira's side.
Advert
Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Potter gave his verdict on Crystal Palace and the head coach.
When asked about being unable to beat Crystal Palace in his career, he said: "I miss those stats that bring a bit of negativity!
"It shows how tough the Premier League is.
Advert
"We had some tough games against Palace, we should have won.
"That’s history. Looking forward to Saturday and changing that record.”
He continued to heap praise upon Vieira, crediting him for building on the foundations that Roy Hodgson laid down at Selhurst Park.
Advert
“He’s done a fantastic job, built on the foundation that Roy laid," he continued. "Fantastic structure.
"Always difficult to play against, well organised, good spirit.
"It reminds me of him as a player. A really good job."
The match will be the first of 13 for Chelsea in October as they look to recover in the Premier League, already losing twice in the competition.
Advert
Potter will be hopeful of a positive result to start his Premier League reign at Chelsea.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Football, Premier League, Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira
Nick Emms