Patrick Vieira Takes Helm as Senegal’s New National Team Coach
Patrick Vieira has been named the new head coach of Senegal’s national football team, stepping into the role following his departure from Genoa last November. The Senegal-born former Arsenal captain had been without a position since his dismissal from the Serie A club.
The 50-year-old replaces Pape Thiaw, who was let go after Senegal’s disappointing exit in the round of 32 at the recent World Cup, where they fell to Belgium. Vieira’s impressive playing career includes three Premier League titles with Arsenal, along with World Cup and European Championship victories with France in 1998 and 2000, respectively.
A statement on the Senegal national team’s X account announced: “Mr. Patrick Vieira is the new coach of the Senegalese national A team. The date of the official presentation and the next steps in its installation will be communicated at a later date. Welcome to Senegal, coach.”
Vieira, who boasts 107 caps for France, has prior managerial experience with Nice and New York City, and he led Crystal Palace for two years. His tenure with Palace ended in March 2023, leading him to Strasbourg and, subsequently, Genoa.
His appointment comes at a tumultuous time for the Senegalese national team, which recently celebrated victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in January before a series of controversies surrounded the tournament. Senegal won the final against Morocco 1-0, but the match was overshadowed by protests regarding a penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. After a lengthy protest break, the Senegalese players returned, resulting in a missed penalty that led to their eventual win. However, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory after hearing Senegal’s protest, with the matter now heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, set for a hearing on October 8.
Following the Afcon excitement, Senegal’s World Cup performance was lackluster, with three losses in four matches against France, Norway, and Belgium.
Patrick Vieira has been appointed as Senegal’s new head coach, taking over the national side following his departure from Genoa last November.
The Senegal-born former Arsenal captain had been out of work since being sacked by the Serie A club.
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The 50-year-old succeeds Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal suffered defeat against Belgium in the round of 32 at the recent World Cup.
During his playing career, Vieira won three Premier League titles with Arsenal and claimed both the World Cup and European Championship with France, in 1998 and 2000 respectively.
A statement published on the Senegal national team’s X account read: “Mr Patrick Vieira is the new coach of the Senegalese national A team.
Vieira replaces Pape Thiaw (Getty)
“The date of the official presentation and the next steps in its installation will be communicated at a later date. Welcome to Senegal, coach.”
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Vieira, who was capped 107 times by France, previously had managerial spells at Nice and New York City before spending two years in charge of Crystal Palace.
He left Palace in March 2023 to join Strasbourg as head coach the same year, before undertaking a 12-month stint with Genoa.
Vieira takes over from Thiaw following a chaotic period for the Senegalese national team. Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) champions in January following a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra time.
However, the game was marred by controversy after Senegal staged a walk-off protest in added time after Morocco were awarded a penalty when the score was level at 0-0.
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After a break of approximately 20 minutes, the Senegal players returned to the pitch and Brahim Diaz had his penalty saved, as the game went into extra time.
Senegal went on to win the match 1-0, but the result was overturned by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) appeals board following Senegal’s protest, as Morocco were handed a 3-0 forfeit victory and the title.
The case is now set to head to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a hearing set for 8 October.
Following the Afcon drama, Senegal endured a disappointing World Cup, losing three of their four matches against France, Norway and Belgium.
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