Patrick Vieira has officially begun his new role as head coach of the Senegal national football team, taking over from Pape Thiaw following the Lions of Teranga's exit from the World Cup at the round-of-32 stage.
The 50-year-old former Arsenal and France midfielder confirmed his appointment on Instagram, expressing pride at returning to lead the country of his birth. "(I am) honoured and proud to join Senegal as selector for the national team A," Vieira wrote. "I thank the federation Senegalese Football Team for their trust. I'm looking forward to meeting the group and starting work together on the next steps."
Vieira is set to be formally unveiled at a presentation ceremony in Dakar on Friday, where he will also reveal his first squad selection as Senegal boss. That announcement is expected to include several familiar Premier League names, with Manchester City forward Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr tipped to be included among the group.
Born in Dakar, Vieira spent his early childhood in Senegal before relocating to France at the age of eight, where his football career would eventually blossom. He went on to enjoy a decorated playing career, representing France at international level and lifting the World Cup with Les Bleus in 1998. At club level, Vieira became a cult hero at Arsenal, forming a key part of the legendary 'Invincibles' squad that completed the 2003/04 Premier League season without a single defeat. He also had a spell playing for Manchester City before moving into coaching.
Since retiring from playing, Vieira has built a managerial career across multiple countries, taking charge of Premier League side Crystal Palace, Ligue 1 club Nice, and most recently Italian side Genoa. His appointment as Senegal head coach marks his first role in international management and a significant new chapter in his coaching journey, bringing him back to his homeland in a leadership capacity.
Vieira replaces Thiaw, who departed after Senegal's dramatic and heartbreaking World Cup elimination at the hands of Belgium. The Lions of Teranga had appeared to be cruising into the next round, leading 2-0 with just five minutes remaining on the clock, only to concede twice late on and see the match pushed into extra time. Belgium went on to complete the comeback, winning the tie and ending Senegal's campaign in agonizing fashion.
Vieira now inherits a talented Senegalese squad with the immediate task of steering the team through Africa Cup of Nations qualification. The Lions of Teranga face back-to-back away qualifiers this month, first travelling to Mozambique before a trip to Ethiopia. In between international qualifying duties, Vieira's side will also take part in a friendly fixture against the Comoros Islands, scheduled to be played in Marseille in early October.
The appointment represents a homecoming of sorts for Vieira, who will be tasked with restoring momentum to a Senegal side that boasts strong Premier League representation and remains one of the more competitive footballing nations in Africa. His experience at some of Europe's most storied clubs, both as a player and manager, will now be put to the test on the international stage as he looks to guide Senegal through a crucial period of AFCON qualification and beyond.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (football).