Vieira takes charge as Senegal head coach after World Cup disappointment

Senegal has appointed Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Pape Thiaw in the wake of their disappointing World Cup performance. Vieira, a French-born native of Senegal, played 107 times for the French national team and won the World Cup in 1998 as well as the Euros two years later.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced the appointment, describing it as a strategic move to establish a high-level technical staff that aligns with the country's sporting ambitions. Vieira's primary mission will be to revitalise the team after their tough loss to Belgium in the round of 32 of the World Cup.

Thiaw was sacked less than two weeks after the World Cup, with the FSF president citing toxicity surrounding the team as the reason for his dismissal. The FSF president stated that the appointment of Vieira was ratified on Monday, with his official presentation and onboarding to take place at a later, unspecified date.

Vieira's coaching career includes stints at New York City FC, French club Nice, and Premier League side Crystal Palace. Before his coaching career, he enjoyed a successful playing career with Arsenal, Juventus, and Inter Milan in England and Italy, winning three English league titles between 1998 and 2004.