Football
The legendary Patrick Vieira is close to another coaching engagement! Where will he coach?
The legendary Patrick Vieira is currently without a contract. In December, he was sacked from Nice, France. But now he should be close to another stint, he could be coaching in the Premier League from the new season.
The legendary Patrick Vieira is currently without a contract. In December, he was sacked from Nice, France. But now he should be close to another stint, he could be coaching in the Premier League from the new season.
An excellent player does not always make an excellent coach. For example, as the legendary Zinedine Zidane has done, the equally legendary Patrick Vieira has it somewhat differently.
Vieira gained his coaching experience at Manchester City, first as manager of the academy there and then as manager of the under-21s.
It wasn’t until 2016 that he saw his first coaching engagement with the A-team, when he was given the opportunity to lead New York City. But it can’t be said that he was successful.
Vieira coached 90 games in MLS overseas, averaging 1.58 points per game.
Nevertheless, OGC Nice, a team from the French Ligue 1, was interested in him. In the summer of 2018, Vieira signed for him and left the US. It should be mentioned that upon his arrival, the club’s main star was Mario Balotelli, who was having a very fruitful season.
But Balotelli just didn’t fit Vieira’s plans. Overall, Nice did not shine under the legendary midfielder, although the quality of the team was certainly not to be dismissed.
In total, Vieira coached 89 games for the French club, accumulating an average of 1.42 points, an even worse record than he had in the USA.
Vieira was fired in December after failing to make it through the Europa League’s regular group stage with the team. Prague Slavia, who beat Nice, had a hand in that. The media then speculated about Vieira’s lack of tactical knowledge.
But now the French legend could get another chance. According to The Athletic’s journalist, David Ornstein, Vieira should become the new coach of Crystal Palace.
The wait is said to be only for an official announcement, with details already being finalised. How will he do in England?
Source: Transfermarkt, David Ornstein