Moussa Niakhate expects Patrick Vieira to continue Senegal’s progress

Senegal begin their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Sunday, when Patrick Vieira will meet the players for the first time since becoming head coach.

Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate is set to be involved in the qualifying campaign and believes the change in coaching staff will not disrupt Senegal’s development. Instead, he expects Vieira to build on the work of his predecessor, Pape Thiaw.

“Patrick Vieira was already an incredible player. He could have played in our era because he was ahead of his time,” Niakhate told Ligue 1 plus.

“As a coach, he will bring us what he knows and what he learned at Strasbourg, Nice and Crystal Palace. I think Vieira will continue what Pape Thiaw started. We will be there to keep winning trophies and take Senegal as high as possible.

“That starts with the next international break and the Africa Cup of Nations, which is coming next summer.”

Niakhate also believes the squad can establish a productive relationship with Vieira, who previously played for Arsenal and France.

The defender has not yet spoken to the new coach but expects that to change shortly when the team meet for international duty.

“I have not had the chance to speak with him yet, but that will happen very soon because we are going away with the national team,” he said.

“He was officially appointed this week and arrived very late, so I have not had the time yet.”

Vieira’s first contact with the Senegal players will come as the team gathers for the start of their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.