Former France international Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg Alsace on a three-year contract until 2026.
Following his sacking from English side Crystal Palace in March, the 47-year-old returns to France, where he formerly coached OGC Nice over a two-year period.
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Patrick Vieira (47) has today signed a three-year contract as coach of Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace. Trained at AS Cannes, the former French international midfielder (107 caps), was World Champion… pic.twitter.com/MURjsIjCCb
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) July 2, 2023
Vieira, who was the only black manager in the Premier League at the time of his dismissal, departed the Eagles after a 12-game winless run that kept them in 12th place in the league standings.
The former Arsenal midfielder joins Strasbourg after having strong links to other teams like Leeds United and Leicester City.
“I am particularly happy to join Racing,” the newly-appointed Vieira said. “I know the history and the identity of this club, the fervour it arouses, the importance it has for its region, which is a place of football and passion.
“The rebuilding of the club in recent years, under the direction of [Marc] Keller, is an example to be admired. Working with him is a real pleasure for me.
“Today, a new cycle begins for Racing and it is exciting as a coach to be able to build something while relying on the values that have defined the strength of the club,” the former Arsenal midfielder added.
He takes over Les Coureurs from Frederic Antonetti, who most recently was in charge of the French club over a 15-game period from February to May following the sacking of Julien Stephan.
Marc Keller, Strasbourg’s president, also expressed his satisfaction at acquiring the services of Vieira.
The 55-year-old revealed his faith in former French star and said he can help them make the much-needed progression.
“I welcome [Patrick] Vieira, whom I know from the French national team; I am very happy to welcome him to Strasbourg,” Keller said.
“Patrick’s arrival should allow us to make further progress and to take a step forward. He corresponds to the profile we were looking for: a manager with international experience, and who also has a good knowledge of Ligue 1 and its young players.
“We are convinced that he will be able to do a very good job here, in a healthy and fulfilling environment. We are going to put him in the best conditions so that he can succeed,” the president concluded.
Vieira’s move to Stade de la Meinau is the first order of business since new owners led by Chelsea’s boss Todd Boehly took over the Ligue 1 outfit.
Strasbourg will become the fourth senior team managed by Vieira, following stints at New York City FC, where he spent two and a-half years, Nice, and most recently Palace.
