Vieira takes charge of Senegal national team

Patrick Vieira, the renowned former French international midfielder, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal national football team. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday.

Vieira, who was born in Dakar, Senegal's capital, takes over from Pape Thiaw. Thiaw's tenure concluded following Senegal's elimination from the recent World Cup in the round of 32. The FSF stated that details regarding Vieira's official presentation and installation process will be announced later.

This marks Vieira's first time managing a national team. His coaching career includes spells at prominent clubs such as Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and French sides Nice and Strasbourg, as well as a brief stint with Italy's Genoa. As a player, Vieira was a celebrated figure, earning over 100 caps for France and being part of the victorious 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 squads. He is also widely recognized for his successful period at Arsenal, where he made over 400 appearances and won three Premier League titles.

Vieira's immediate task will be to prepare Senegal for the upcoming international window next month. The team, champions of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, will begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 tournament in September. His experience and pedigree are expected to bring a new dynamic to the Senegalese squad.

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Mr Patrick Vieira is the new coach of Senegal's senior national team. The date of the official presentation and the next steps in his installation will be the subject of a subsequent announcement.