It is now official. Patrick Vieira is the new head coach of Senegal's senior national team. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has unanimously endorsed his appointment, putting an end to the remaining uncertainty surrounding Pape Thiaw's succession.
The decision was taken by the FSF's Emergency Committee, which met in an extraordinary session by videoconference on Monday 17 August at 3pm. According to the statement published by the Federation, all statutory members of the Committee took part in the meeting, with the exception of Cheikh Ahmet Tidiane Seck, whose absence was excused.
Following deliberation, the choice of Patrick Vieira was therefore unanimously approved.
A new era for the Lions
The FSF stands behind a decision that goes beyond simply replacing Pape Thiaw. In its statement, the body presents this appointment as a 'strategic choice', intended to establish a high-level technical setup and meet Senegal's sporting ambitions.
Vieira arrives with considerable experience of top-level football. A former Arsenal captain and 1998 World Cup champion with France, he has since managed several European clubs, notably Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg. His arrival marks above all the homecoming of a coach born in Dakar, who is taking charge of the national team of his country of birth for the first time.
For Senegal, the challenge now is to turn this change of head coach into a genuine new cycle. Vieira will need to quickly impose his ideas, put together his staff and, above all, build a team capable of living up to the high ambitions of Senegalese football.
An official appointment, but taking up of duties still to be finalised
The FSF does, however, provide an important clarification. Patrick Vieira has been officially appointed, but he has not yet formally taken up his duties.
Discussions regarding the administrative and contractual terms of his arrival are continuing between the various parties. The Federation also states that the date of the new head coach's official presentation and the next steps in his installation will be announced at a later date.
In other words, the Vieira case is now settled on a sporting and institutional level. What remains is to concretely organise his installation at the helm of the Lions.
One thing is certain: Senegal is officially opening a new chapter with Patrick Vieira.
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