Senegal recruit Patrick Viera to rebuild national team

August 19 – Senegal have turned to Patrick Vieira to lead the national team into a new cycle, appointing the former Arsenal and France captain as head coach following Pape Thiaw’s dismissal after a disappointing World Cup.

Vieira, born in Dakar before moving to France at the age of eight, takes charge of the country of his birth in what will be his first job in international management.

The Senegalese Football Federation described the appointment as a “strategic move” aimed at putting in place a high-level technical structure capable of matching the country’s ambitions.

Senegal went into the World Cup as one of Africa’s strongest sides but lost to both France and Norway in the group stage. A 5-0 win over Iraq was enough to drag them into the knockout rounds, only for a 2-0 lead against Belgium in the last 32 to disappear in a 3-2 defeat.

Thiaw was dismissed less than two weeks later. The former Senegal international had been in charge since 2024, but his relationship with the federation had deteriorated, with FSF president Abdoulaye Fall later referring to a “toxic” atmosphere around the team during the tournament and revealing that Thiaw had sought a pay rise – which they judged as undeserved.

Vieira inherits a side that is one of Africa’s strongest on paper but has endured a turbulent year.

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final in January before later being stripped of the title thanks to their walk-off during the chaotic final against Morocco. The federation has appealed that punishment, with the case due to be heard behind closed doors at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne on October 8.

Against that backdrop, Vieira’s first task is about restoring order.

The 50-year-old has built a varied coaching CV since ending a decorated playing career which included three Premier League titles with Arsenal, Serie A success in Italy and 107 appearances for France, including a World Cup win in 1998 and the European Championships in 2000.

He began his senior managerial career with New York City FC before spells at Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa. His time at Palace ended in 2023 after a 12-match winless run, while his later jobs in France and Italy were relatively short-lived.

Senegal still have a squad that is expected to qualify for major tournaments and compete for trophies. Vieira’s job is to get it functioning like one again.

His first major target will be qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, beginning in September and running through to March next year across six matchdays.

They will face Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia during the qualifying process – one they are expected to pass through with ease.

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]