Patrick Vieira named manager of Strasbourg

Patrick Vieira has been announced as RC Strasbourg’s new head coach on a three-year deal.

Strasbourg parted ways with their previous head coach Frederic Antonetti last week and they didn’t waste any time in identifying former Arsenal midfielder Vieira as a replacement.

The club have reportedly guaranteed Vieira that they’re aiming to push on and fight in the top half of Ligue 1 next season, rather than battling relegation as they did in 2022/23.

Since winning Ligue 2 in 2016/17, Strasbourg have generally finished in the bottom half of Ligue 1, ending up in 15th, 11th, 10th, 15th, 6th, and 15th across the last six seasons.

They achieved unexpected success in 2018/19, winning the Coupe de la Ligue against the odds. But they failed to follow that up by qualifying for the Europa League the next season, losing their final qualifier to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Vieira will now hope to help his new club push on and reach a higher level more consistently.

Since ending his playing days, Vieira has managed the Manchester City Academy, New York City FC, OGC Nice, and Crystal Palace.

That last spell in the Premier League lasted just under two years and ended in March, with Roy Hodgson taking back over at the club.

Vieira was linked with Leeds United, but it seems a return to his home country was the more attractive option.