Marc Guéhi says team spirits are still high at Crystal Palace despite a difficult week, and the squad has full confidence in their ability to turn their Premier League form around.
“It’s a bit disappointing obviously after the result,” Guéhi told Premier League Productions after defeat at Manchester United last time out. “But there’s definitely positives to take from these kind of games. The team defended well.
“But it’s important that we get back to basics and improve on the ball. The team has been really strong mentally. We’ve worked really hard in training to rectify things that have happened in these games and will try to be better in games to come.
“I think the gaffer has been great with everyone. He’s really helped us in learning from those games. The team morale is in high spirits – everyone is really focused on getting better and improving.
“You’re going to go through these periods during the season but it’s important that we just keep getting better and keep working hard.”
Vieira's influence is something Guéhi considered when signing from the club, after coming through the Academy system at Chelsea.
“Many factors [influenced my decision to sign],” he explained. “One was the fact that the club is in such a stable position and has been for such a long time. It’s in London so it’s close, and I know the area quite well.
“Also, the gaffer that has just come in as well. He’s been fantastic with me. We already know what he has done as a player, but as a manager as well his ideas really pushed me to come to Palace.
“It suits me right to the ground. It’s really important for me to be in a place where I can showcase my talents and thankfully they’ve given me that opportunity here at Palace.”
Alongside Guéhi in the heart of defence this season has been Joachim Andersen, and the two have built up an impressive partnership – although the latter has missed recent games.
“He’s an important player for us,” Guéhi said. “He showcased that in many games this season, his ball-playing abilities. But I think the boys that have come in have done really well, and shown they deserve to be playing as well.
“You get to know each other a little bit off the pitch as well as on the pitch. Understanding each others’ games, where we want to move and how we both want to play in the team. So it’s been really great playing with Joachim.”
