Former Arsenal Captain Takes the Reins

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced the appointment of Patrick Vieira as the new head coach of the national team, succeeding Pape Thiaw. The move is seen as a strategic decision aimed at establishing a high-level technical staff that aligns with the country’s sporting ambitions.

Source: i.guim.co.uk

Vieira, a 50-year-old former French international, was born in Senegal but grew up in France from the age of eight. He played 107 times for France and won the World Cup in 1998, as well as the Euros two years later. His playing career also included stints at Arsenal, Juventus, Inter, and Manchester City, where he ended his playing days.

As a coach, Vieira has held various positions, including a stint at New York City FC from 2016 and a brief period at Nice in the French top-flight league from 2018 to 2020. He also managed Premier League side Crystal Palace from 2021 but was sacked in March 2023 after a 12-match winless run. He later had short stints at Strasbourg and Italian side Genoa.

The appointment of Vieira comes after Senegal’s bruising loss to Belgium in the last 32 of the World Cup. The team’s performance was marred by controversy, including a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, which they won but were subsequently stripped of their title as a punishment for walking off the pitch. Senegal has appealed the decision, with a hearing to take place behind closed doors at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland on October 8.

Under Thiaw’s leadership, Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final in January but faced criticism for their behavior during the final. The team’s performance has been a subject of concern, with two defeats in the World Cup group stage against France and Norway before a 5-0 victory over Iraq secured their place in the knockout rounds.

Vieira’s mission will be to revitalise the team and restore pride in the national team. The Senegalese Football Federation has expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team to success, citing his experience and reputation as a top-level coach.

The official presentation of Vieira as the new head coach of Senegal is expected to take place at a future date, with the FSF confirming that he will be introduced to the media and the public at a later stage.