Senegal appoint former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as head coach
Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal national team, replacing Pape Thiaw following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
The 50-year-old takes charge of his birth country just months after being dismissed by Serie A side Genoa last November.
He succeeds Thiaw, who was sacked after the West African nation suffered a round of 32 defeat against Belgium at the recent World Cup.
Return to the dugout
The former Arsenal captain brings extensive managerial experience to the role, having previously managed in England, France, Italy and the United States.
Following a two-year spell with Crystal Palace, the French World Cup winner managed Strasbourg before a brief 12-month stint in Italy with Genoa.
His playing career was incredibly highly decorated, yielding three Premier League titles during his legendary time in north London.
The combative midfielder also earned 107 caps for Les Bleus, lifting both the 1998 World Cup and the European Championship in 2000.
Navigating national turmoil
The Senegalese football federation confirmed the high-profile appointment across their official social media channels.
“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.”
The incoming manager inherits a squad recovering from a highly controversial period in African football.
Senegal initially won the Africa Cup of Nations in January following a dramatic extra-time victory over hosts Morocco.
Afcon controversy and World Cup struggles
However, that final was overshadowed by a 20-minute walk-off protest from the Senegalese players after Morocco were awarded a penalty in normal time.
While Brahim Diaz ultimately had his spot-kick saved upon the restart, the Confederation of African Football later overturned Senegal’s victory due to the protest.
Morocco were subsequently awarded a 3-0 forfeit win and the continental title, with the case now heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October.
That off-field drama heavily impacted the team’s subsequent World Cup performance.
The national side ultimately crashed out after losing three of their four tournament matches against France, Norway and Belgium.