Patrick Vieira Expresses Excitement, Admits New Focus After Landing Ligue 1 Job

• Patrick Vieira was sacked by Crystal Palace in March
• The former France midfielder previously managed Ligue 1 side OGC Nice
• Chelsea’s owner Todd Boehly recently bought a stake in French club Strasbourg

Strasbourg have appointed Patrick Vieira as their new manager on a three-year contract, the Ligue 1 club said on Sunday.

The former France international coached Crystal Palace from July 2021 until he was sacked in March 2023, following a poor run of results that left the south London side three points clear of relegation.

The Arsenal icon, 47, has signed a three-year contract with Strasbourg, who finished 15th in Ligue 1 last season. The news comes just over a week after Chelsea's owners agreed to a deal as reported by BBC to buy a majority stake in Strasbourg as part of a multi-club ownership model.

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“Patrick’s arrival should allow us to make further progress and to take a step forward,” said Strasbourg’s president, Marc Keller, quoted by BBC.

“He corresponds to the profile we were looking for a manager with international experience, and who also has a good knowledge of Ligue 1 and its young players.”

Vieira, who was dismissed by Palace after a 12-game winless run, succeeds Frederic Antonetti at Strasbourg. Antonetti helped Strasbourg avoid relegation by five points last season but agreed to step down from his position after Chelsea's investment.

Vieira is an experienced manager after spells in charge of Major League Soccer team, New York City and Ligue 1 outfit Nice, as well as Palace.

Vieira speaks on joining Strasbourg

The Frenchman who began his managerial career with his former side Manchester City’s under-23 team spoke about his appointment

“I am particularly happy to join Racing,” Vieira as quoted by The Guardian said.

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“I know the history and the identity of this club, the fervour it arouses, the importance it has for its region, which is a place of football and passion.

Today, a new cycle begins for Racing and it is exciting as a coach to be able to build something while relying on the values that have defined the strength of the club.”

Patrick Vieira’s coaching career

Sports Brief previously reported on the former clubs managed by Patrick Vieira.

The former Arsenal captain managed New York City FC between 2016 and 2018, Vieira also took his talents to France, accepting Nice’s offer to become the club’s manager on June 11, 2018.

He left Nice for the Premier League where he managed Crystal Palace between 2021 and 2023.