Patrick Vieira receives Senegal government backing ahead of first matches

New Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira has held his first official meeting with the country’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Djirèye Clotilde Coly, as he begins his tenure in charge of the Teranga Lions.

Vieira met Coly on Friday, 18 September, to discuss his ambitions for the national team and the conditions he believes are necessary for Senegal to succeed.

The former France and Arsenal midfielder was accompanied by Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) president Abdoulaye Fall and the federation’s general secretary Abdoulaye Seydou Sow.

Vieira used the meeting to outline his sporting vision and discuss how he intends to use his experience from a distinguished playing and coaching career to help the national team and contribute to the wider development of Senegalese football.

Coly welcomed Vieira’s appointment and assured him of the ministry’s support as he begins his new role.

The meeting also focused on the relationship between the government and the FSF, with the minister stressing the importance of greater cooperation, accountability and good governance.

The ministry said closer coordination between the two institutions would help create a stable environment for the national team and ensure the players and coaching staff have the necessary conditions to perform.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Vieira said he was proud to lead the country of his birth and pledged to give everything to the role.

“You can count on me,” Vieira said.

The 50-year-old, who was born in Senegal but represented France during his playing career, takes over after the dismissal of Pape Thiaw.

Vieira enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career with Arsenal and France, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with Les Bleus.

His managerial career has included spells with New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.

He will have little time to settle into his new position, with Senegal’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign providing an immediate test.

Senegal are scheduled to face Mozambique on 25 September before playing Ethiopia four days later.

They will then meet Comoros in Marseille on 4 October.

The matches will give Vieira his first opportunity to work with the Senegal squad and begin putting his ideas into practice.

FSF president Fall also reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to supporting the new coach, while highlighting the importance of continued government backing for the men’s national team.

Coly concluded the meeting by wishing Vieira and the Lions success in their upcoming fixtures.