Patrick Vieira believes MLS quality can soar as he relishes New York City life
After playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the 41-year-old Frenchman has developed into an exciting coach across the Atlantic.
Patrick Vieira never expected to find himself in the dugout, let alone living in the Big Apple, but the Arsenal and France great is loving life at New York City FC.
After dominating the midfield at some of Europe’s biggest clubs as well as his national team, the 41-year-old Frenchman has developed into an exciting coach.
The World Cup winner took over a side reeling from a poor inaugural season in Major League Soccer but quickly transformed the side, who now sit second in the Supporters’ Shield having reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals in his first campaign.
“It was a surprise (to become a coach) because I have never been to that position, to be honest,” NYCFC head coach Vieira told Press Association Sport.
“Of course when you play you are still in action and you don’t see yourself doing something else, but I have been put into this position with Manchester City Under-23s and I loved it.
“Every year I’m getting more experience and this is something I really love doing.”
Vieira has an eclectic mix of players to call upon, from David Villa – back in the Spain squad after three years – and Andrea Pirlo, to Jack Harrison, a 20-year-old from Bolton who was part of Manchester United’s academy.
The latter was first pick in the 2016 SuperDraft before a trade deal was organised to take him from the Chicago Fire to NYCFC – the kind of complexities that make MLS difficult for many to fully grasp.
Then there is a salary cap to juggle and peculiarities like being mic’d up on the touchline, but Vieira has embraced the differences to the football world he grew up in and believes the league is only going one way.
“I think the game in the MLS is completely different from 10 years ago,” said Vieira, who lives close to Central Park in Manhattan.
“When you look at the quality of the international players coming to the country, of course that raises the level of the game.
“When you look at the last five years, the young players who come in… and I strongly believe there will be young players who will come from all around Europe because the quality of the MLS is good and really interesting.”
The league will soon expand as Los Angeles FC join and David Beckham’s Miami team edge closer to finalisation, while 12 other cities are currently vying for two other spots.
NYCFC’s place among more established MLS sides has been boosted by the help of Manchester City, who have loaned talented Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera to a fellow member of the expanding City Football Group.
