Brentford boss Thomas Frank is backing Patrick Vieira to succeed with Crystal Palace.
Vieira will be in charge for his first home Premier League game as Crystal Palace boss against the Bees at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
“There is no right pathway for a head coach or manager, everyone is different," said Frank, the Dane having worked with the national team's youth set-up before taking charge at Brondby and later joining Brentford as assistant head coach in December 2016.
“I definitely believe if you take the right steps, there is a relatively better reason for success.
“A top name as a player, sometimes that can give you a top job too early, that can be too big or too difficult.
“The difference between being a player and a head coach or manager is two different ends of the scale.
“There are things you need to be aware of and if you can do a little bit more of trial and error in your first jobs….It is better to do that at (a club like) New York City – they also have to win, but you are just in a better environment.
“Then you take the next step, like to a good club in Ligue 1, which was his home country, which also helps.
“Now, he is stepping into the Premier League, which is the best league in the world, so I think he progressed and got good experience at every place. He has a good opportunity to show what he is made of."
Frank added: “He definitely has a good opportunity (of a top job) because of the profile, but we all know, of course, we need to perform in the current jobs we are in."
