Patrick Vieira, start of a new era with Senegal

The conclusion of a saga that has kept Senegalese supporters on edge for nearly a month. Announced on August 18 as Senegal's head coach, while the different parties had only reached a preliminary agreement, it is on September 14 that Patrick Vieira will be officially inaugurated by the Senegalese Football Federation in his new role as head coach. An official confirmation for the former French international, born in Dakar, who will succeed Pape Thiaw.

A four-year contract

According to information from Sport News Africa, the coach has signed on for a four-year term. A long-term contract designed to take him through to the 2030 World Cup, with the qualification stages and finals of CAN 2027 and 2028 to be negotiated in the meantime. His official presentation to the press is scheduled for September 18 in Dakar.

If the negotiations dragged on, it was mainly due to the approval time required by the Ministry of Sports, the paying body. The desire of the former Nice and Crystal Palace coach, however, remained unwavering: determined to invest himself in this project that is especially close to his heart, the cofounder of the Diambars academy — created in 2000 — is passing a symbolic milestone by making a return to his roots.

Scouting, discussions, and first squad list

Anticipating his start in the position, the new head coach has already begun his preparations by contacting several players to get ready for the first international window. During these exchanges, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy notably announced to him his decision to retire from international football. A significant departure that could be followed by others in the short and medium term within a squad nearing the end of a cycle, requiring the coach to oversee a progressive transition.

While there were questions about the upcoming squad list, it was indeed composed by the future head coach. In fact, Patrick Vieira has already selected the group to kick off the 2027 CAN qualifiers. The campaign will begin away from home with two consecutive trips to Mozambique and Ethiopia, before a friendly match against Comoros in Marseille. A demanding start away from home to launch this new chapter, before being able to reunite with the Senegalese public during the next break.