Patrick Vieira: the shape of his staff with Senegal starts to take form

Two days before his official presentation, Patrick Vieira is starting to outline the shape of his staff with the Lions of Senegal. The new head coach will be presented this Friday 18 September in Dakar, with a much-anticipated first squad list.

Issa Aïdara in pole position

To accompany Patrick Vieira, an unexpected name stands out: Issa Aïdara. The Senegalese coach is currently believed to be best placed to become the new head coach's assistant.

Aïdara is already familiar with the national team environment. He is notably an assistant to Lamine Sané with the U17s, who were recently crowned African champions in Morocco. He has also worked with Youssoupha Dabo with the U20s.

His background and his knowledge of local football may have weighed in the discussions around the composition of the new staff.

An analyst who already knows Vieira

Patrick Vieira could also rely on Hachim Ali Mbae as video analyst. The Comorian coach is already perfectly familiar with Vieira's methods, having worked with him at Nice, Strasbourg and Genoa.

This continuity could help ease the implementation of the new head coach's methods within the Tanière.

Kader Mangane announced as Team Manager

Another name announced in the future setup: Kader Mangane. The former Senegalese international is expected to take on the role of Team Manager.

After his playing career, Mangane moved into administrative and sports management roles. His experience with the national team and his knowledge of the professional football environment could prove valuable to the new staff.

First squad list and first match approaching

Everything should now become clearer on Friday, during Patrick Vieira's official presentation. The head coach is expected to unveil his first squad list with the Lions.

His first fixture will then come very quickly. Senegal are set to face Mozambique on 25 September in Maputo, before playing Ethiopia on 29 September in Bahir Dar. A friendly against the Comoros, scheduled for 4 October in Marseille, will round off this first sequence.

Patrick Vieira will therefore not have much time to settle in. His staff, his first squad list and his first choices will be closely scrutinised in the coming days.