BTN News: Patrick Vieira has parted ways with Strasbourg just weeks before the Ligue 1 season kickoff, sparking speculation that he may become the next head coach of the United States Men’s National Team. The French club, owned by Chelsea’s parent company, announced on Thursday that Vieira left by mutual agreement, despite having one more season remaining on his three-year contract.
The news comes at a crucial time as the Ligue 1 season is set to begin on August 16. Vieira’s sudden departure has fueled rumors about his potential move to the U.S. national team, following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter last week after the team’s group-stage exit from the Copa América.
Patrick Vieira, 48, boasts an illustrious career as a player and coach. He played as a midfielder from 1993 to 2011, scoring six goals in 107 appearances for the French national team. Vieira was instrumental in France’s 1998 World Cup victory on home soil and their Euro 2000 triumph. As a captain, he led the national team 21 times, showcasing his leadership and footballing prowess.
His club career is equally impressive. Vieira won the English Premier League titles in 1998, 2002, and 2004 with Arsenal. He was also a four-time FA Cup winner with the Gunners, famously anchoring the midfield of the “Invincibles” team during the 2003-2004 season. Vieira’s playing career included stints at Cannes, Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City, where he added four Serie A titles with Inter and an FA Cup with City to his trophy cabinet.
After retiring as a player, Vieira transitioned into a developmental executive role at Manchester City in 2011 before taking up coaching. He began his managerial career with Manchester City’s reserve team in 2013 and was appointed head coach of New York City FC in MLS in November 2015. Under his leadership, NYCFC reached the playoffs consecutively and finished second in the Eastern Conference in June 2018.
Vieira then moved to French club Nice, where he guided the team to a seventh-place finish in 2019 and a fifth-place finish in 2020. However, he was dismissed in December 2020 following the club’s elimination from the Europa League. In July 2021, Vieira took charge of Crystal Palace, leading them to a twelfth-place finish in his first full season. He was let go in March 2023 after three consecutive losses left the team in the same position.
Vieira’s recent tenure at Strasbourg, beginning in July 2023, saw the team finish 13th out of 18 in Ligue 1. His departure follows fan protests against the involvement of Chelsea’s ownership group in the club.
With his extensive experience both on and off the field, Vieira is now a prominent candidate to replace Gregg Berhalter as the head coach of the US Men’s National Team. His potential appointment brings hope for a new direction and success for the American squad on the international stage.
