Patrick Vieira, the Lions' manager: "I will work body and soul."

The Senegalese Football Federation has officially presented Patrick Vieira as the new manager of the Senegalese national team. The Franco-Senegalese coach, who succeeds the previous staff, intends to maintain continuity while also opening a new chapter with the Lions of Teranga.

It's now official. Patrick Vieira is the new manager of the Senegalese national team. Officially presented this Thursday by the Senegalese Football Federation, the former captain of Arsenal's "Invincibles" takes the reins of the Lions of Teranga with a clearly stated ambition: to continue the momentum of Senegalese football and aim for new trophies.

During his presentation, Vieira first expressed his pride in returning to the country where he was born. "Being the coach of the Senegal national team is an absolute dream," he said.

Born in Dakar, Patrick Vieira sees this appointment as much more than a new step in his career.

"Taking this selection is not a new step in my career. It's a return home," he stated.

"I'm not here to destroy everything."

The new coach also emphasized his desire to preserve the achievements of the Senegalese national team. For him, it's not about starting from scratch, but about building on the existing foundations.

“My mission is not to break everything, it is not to throw everything out the window. It is to preserve the strength of this team, its identity, its solidarity, its ability to suffer together,” Vieira explained.

The coach intends to open a new four-year cycle, with several major deadlines in sight, including the upcoming African competitions and the preparation for the 2030 World Cup.

An important place for youth

Patrick Vieira also plans to prepare for the future by gradually integrating young players destined to become the leaders of the national team by 2030.

"We have a generation where we will need to integrate young players who will be the leaders in 2030," he stressed.

But before thinking about the long term, the new manager of the national team will have to quickly focus on the upcoming international fixtures. He specifically mentioned the importance of the next two qualifying matches.

Vieira calls for unity around the Lions

To succeed in his mission, the former midfielder believes he will need all components of Senegalese football.

"I am not here to run this ship alone. To succeed in this project, I will need the nation, the unity of the nation," he declared.

He specifically called on supporters, journalists and the entire Senegalese people to rally behind the Lions.

Drawing on his experience at the highest level, notably with Arsenal, Inter Milan, Juventus and the French national team, Patrick Vieira now wants to put his experience at the service of Senegal.

"I will be 300% dedicated to the Senegalese national team. I will work body and soul to restore the colors of the Senegalese team. On that, you can count on me," promised the new coach.

With this appointment, Patrick Vieira officially opens a new chapter at the helm of the Lions of Teranga , with the ambition of extending the successes of Senegalese football while preparing the generation destined to lead the national team towards 2030.