Patrick Vieira is beginning a new chapter in his coaching career after being appointed head coach of the Senegal national team. The former midfielder expressed his pride at taking charge of the Lions of Teranga and returning professionally to the country where he was born.
Patrick Vieira Speaks About Taking Charge of the Senegal National Team
Patrick Vieira shared his first words after becoming the new head coach of the Senegal national team, a special appointment for the Dakar-born former player as he prepares for his first experience in international management.
The former Arsenal player will be officially unveiled on Friday and will also announce his first squad. An agreement over his appointment was reached last month, and he will now be responsible for beginning a new era in Senegalese soccer after replacing Pape Thiaw.
Vieira Proud to Take Charge of Senegal
Although he played international soccer for the France national team, earning 107 caps, Vieira was born in Dakar and moved to Europe when he was eight years old. His connection with Senegal, however, has remained strong over the years.
Ahead of his official unveiling, the coach took to social media to share his first thoughts on the new challenge.
“Honored and proud to join Senegal as head coach of the senior national team,” Vieira wrote, while also thanking the Senegalese Football Federation for placing its trust in him.
The coach added that he is looking forward to meeting his new players and beginning work toward the team’s upcoming objectives.
A New Chapter After Coaching in Europe
The Senegal job represents Vieira’s first experience as a national team head coach. His managerial career began at club level and has included spells with New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
He will now be tasked with starting a new project with a national team coming off a difficult period. Senegal were eliminated from the World Cup after losing 3-2 to Belgium in extra time despite holding a two-goal lead. The federation subsequently decided to end Pape Thiaw’s tenure.
The new coach will have little time to settle in. His first official challenges will come in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, with matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia.
For Vieira, the opportunity also represents a return to his roots. More than two decades after helping establish a soccer academy in Senegal, the legendary former midfielder will now take responsibility for leading the Lions of Teranga from the sidelines.
