Patrick Vieira has described becoming Senegal’s new head coach as a homecoming as he begins his first job in international management.
The former Arsenal midfielder was born in Senegal before moving to France as a child.
Vieira represented France during his playing career and was part of the teams that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Now, the 50-year-old has returned to the country of his birth to lead the Senegal national team.
Vieira describes Senegal job as a dream
Speaking at his official presentation in Dakar, Vieira described taking charge of Senegal as an “absolute dream,” according to BBC Sport.
He said his connection to the country played an important role in his decision to accept the position.
Vieira also highlighted the quality of Senegal’s current generation of players and acknowledged the expectations surrounding the national team.
The appointment marks Vieira’s first international coaching role.
His previous managerial jobs include New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
Senegal enters new chapter
Vieira takes over from Pape Thiaw as Senegal prepares for its next cycle of international competition.
The new coach said he does not intend to rebuild the team from the beginning.
Instead, Vieira wants to preserve Senegal’s existing identity and unity while developing the next stage of the team.
He said Senegal’s recent performances have raised expectations and called for strong foundations to support future success.
Vieira also wants his team to play with a clear structure, intensity and aggression.
Competitive matches await Vieira
Vieira’s first matches will come in qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal is scheduled to travel to Mozambique before facing Ethiopia away.
The squad will be without long-serving goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has retired from international football.
Sadio Mane is also expected to miss the upcoming matches because of a physical issue.
However, Vieira said the forward remains part of his plans when fit.
For Vieira, the Senegal job brings together his coaching career and his personal connection to the country where he was born.
“Taking charge of this national team isn’t just a new stage in my career – it’s coming back home,” Vieira said.