Senegal appoint Vieira as head coach after World Cup disappointment

Senegal have appointed former France international Patrick Vieira as their new head coach following the country’s disappointing World Cup campaign.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced Vieira’s appointment on Tuesday, with the 1998 World Cup winner succeeding Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after the tournament.

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The federation described the appointment of the France-born Senegalese as a “strategic move” aimed at building a high-level technical team in line with the country’s sporting ambitions.

Vieira’s immediate task will be to rebuild the national team following their  World Cup last-32 defeat by Belgium.

Thiaw was sacked less than two weeks after Senegal’s elimination. The 45-year-old had taken charge of the Teranga Lions in 2024.

The Senegalese Football Federation president had previously said that tensions surrounded the team during the tournament, following disagreements over Thiaw’s demand for a salary increase.

Vieira’s appointment was ratified on Monday, with the federation saying his official unveiling and onboarding would take place at a later date.

The 50-year-old enjoyed an illustrious playing career, starring for Arsenal before spells with Juventus and Inter Milan. He later ended his career at Manchester City.

He began his coaching career with New York City FC in 2016 before managing French club Nice from 2018 to 2020.

Vieira returned to the Premier League as Crystal Palace manager in 2021 but was dismissed in March 2023 following a 12-match winless run. He later had brief spells with Strasbourg and Italian side Genoa.

At international level, Vieira won 107 caps for France and was part of the team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He also won the European Championship with France in 2000.

The appointment marks Vieira’s first role as head coach of Senegal as he begins the task of restoring the team’s fortunes following their disappointing World Cup exit.