Patrick Vieira sets out Senegal plan built on intensity and continuity

Patrick Vieira says Senegal’s next phase will be based on intensity, aggression and solidarity rather than a complete overhaul, as he begins his four-year tenure as head coach of the Lions of Teranga.

Vieira was officially presented on Friday, one month after being appointed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), and announced his first squad for the national team.

The 50-year-old has left out Sadio Mane and eight players from Senegal’s previous World Cup squad, while naming eight newcomers as he starts to reshape the side.

His first three matches will come in quick succession. Senegal face Mozambique and Ethiopia on 25 and 29 September respectively in the qualifying campaign for CAN 2027, before meeting Comoros in a friendly in Marseille on 4 October.

The former Genoa coach has indicated that he does not intend to discard the foundations established by the national team. Instead, he wants to build on what already works while preserving Senegal’s identity.

Aggression, intensity, sacrifice and togetherness will be central to Vieira’s approach. Those qualities reflect the playing values associated with the former Arsenal defensive midfielder and are expected to define his team.

Vieira also wants Senegal to play on the front foot, using the full range of talent available to him. The squad contains quality in every position, while the country has particular depth in midfield and attack.

That strength in competition for places should allow Vieira to pursue his preferred approach, while the changes in personnel are also intended to give younger players a greater role.

With the 2030 World Cup in mind, Senegal’s emerging generation is expected to take on more responsibility during Vieira’s time in charge.

The new manager has been given a four-year mandate. His minimum target is to guide Senegal to the final of CAN 2027 and qualify the team for the 2030 World Cup.

The opening fixtures against Mozambique and Ethiopia will provide Vieira with his first competitive opportunity to put his plans into practice, before the friendly against Comoros offers another chance to assess his new-look squad.