Patrick Vieira says Senegal must build on progress after taking over as head coach

Patrick Vieira says his task as Senegal head coach is to build on the country’s recent success rather than start from scratch.

The former France international has been appointed to replace Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal’s dramatic elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

Senegal led Belgium 2-0 after 85 minutes in their last-32 tie but conceded twice before losing 3-2 after extra time.

Vieira, 50, takes charge of a team that had also claimed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in January.

However, the destination of that trophy remains the subject of a dispute and will ultimately be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The controversy followed a walk-off by some Senegal players and staff during the final in protest at a penalty decision. The trophy was subsequently handed to hosts Morocco in March.

“Today, Senegal is among the major nations in world football,” Vieira said.

“Senegal’s objectives aren’t what they were 10 or 15 years ago. On the back of its recent results, Senegal has moved forward, has reached new levels.

“The demand for results has also stepped up. We need to lay solid foundations.”

Vieira, who previously managed New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg, said he wants Senegal to play with a clear identity built around intensity and aggression.

He also stressed that he would respect the foundations established by the Senegal Football Federation in recent years.

“What matters to me isn’t starting again from scratch,” he said.

“It’s about respecting what the federation has put in place over the last few years and building the next stage, opening a new chapter.

“A new chapter meaning my job isn’t to tear everything down, it isn’t to throw everything out of the window.

“It’s about keeping this team’s strength: its identity, its unity, its ability to suffer together.

“To make this project work, I’ll need the whole nation united. I’ll work heart and soul to restore the team’s pride.”

Vieira’s first matches in charge will come later this month when Senegal begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Teranga Lions travel to Mozambique on 25 September before hosting Ethiopia four days later.