Saïd Aïgoun: the ‘tactical genius’ helping Vieira revamp Crystal Palace

‘New Challenge, New Life, Same Passion,” wrote Saïd Aïgoun on Instagram when he was unveiled as Crystal Palace’s new development coach in July. Now firmly established as an integral part of Patrick Vieira’s backroom staff, the former educational adviser at a Parisian school who is described by those who have worked with him as a “tactical genius” may not be a household name even among Palace supporters.

But after a season in which his compatriot has transformed the south London club’s style of play since taking over from Roy Hodgson last summer, the unassuming 38-year-old has also been credited with playing a major role in Palace’s renaissance as they prepare to face Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.

“I don’t know if English fans really know the quality of Saïd Aïgoun,” says Salim Baungally, a host on the French TV channel RMC who worked with Aïgoun when he was a regular pundit for their Premier League coverage. “He is a tactical genius who never stops watching games! As a pundit, he was very interesting because he would highlight many things that even former players didn’t see.”

Having started out as coach of Paris FC, where he helped develop the future Manchester City signings Olivier Ntcham and Seko Fofana, Aïgoun also worked at Auxerre and Paris Saint-Germain’s academy before receiving a call from Vieira at the start of last year. Both were unemployed at the time but it was agreed that Aïgoun would be part of the 1998 World Cup winner’s staff whenever his next opportunity came.

A close friend of Emmanuel Petit – Vieira’s old midfield partner for club and country – after sharing a TV studio with the former Arsenal and Chelsea player, Aïgoun has proved to be a shrewd appointment. The average age of a squad that