Patrick Vieira Appointed As New Nice Coach

Patrick-Vieira (Photo Credit: Daily Express)

Nice Confirms Patrick Vieira As New Coach

Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira, has been appointed as the new coach of French Ligue 1 club, Nice.

He leaves his position as coach of New York City FC in the MLS to take on a new challenge with the Ligue 1 club.

The 41-year-old former France international, Vieira, would be moving to France with assistant coach Christian Lattanzio, performance coach Kristian Wilson and physical performance coach Matt Cook, New York City confirmed.

Before joining Nice, Vieira had upon retirement, coached the Manchester City reserve team, before taking over as New York City boss in 2016.

He was also touted as a candidate for the Arsenal job before Unai Emery was appointed to replace Arsene Wenger at the Emirates stadium.

Speaking on the new task, Vieira said: “I was seduced by the project and by the people involved in it, I have talked a lot with [director general] Julien Fournier and the president [Jean-Pierre Rivere].”

“When I look at the squad, it makes me very envious. There is everything you need here to succeed.

“My playing career no longer counts for anything, it’s part of the past. The important thing for me is to have a clear idea of what I want from the players, a precise game plan so that they can express themselves because the talent is there.”

He also stated on twitter that his time with NYCFC would be greatly missed.

“After two and a half years as head coach of NYCFC, today will be my last day.” 

“I can honestly say that my time with the club has been absolutely perfect – both on the professional and personal level.

“I love New York, my family loves New York, and I will always have a NYCFC family here.

“I’m leaving New York with some wonderful memories and I will always be a fan of the club.”

Vieira takes over from Lucien Favre, who left for Borussia Dortmund in May.