Patrick Vieira outlines eagerness for Senegal debut

Patrick Vieira has begun his tenure as Senegal coach by expressing his readiness to meet the squad and start preparing for the national team’s next phase. His appointment opens a new cycle for the Lions after he formally took charge of the team.

The 50-year-old Frenchman, who was born in Senegal and played for France internationally, shared his first message on Instagram on Monday, several hours after assuming the role. He described the appointment as a source of pride and honour, while thanking the Senegalese Football Federation for placing its trust in him.

Vieira’s first squad list is scheduled to be released on Friday, September 18, when he will also be officially presented to the press at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium. That announcement will begin the practical work of shaping his group for the first international window of his tenure.

Senegal’s opening assignments under Vieira will come in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Lions are due to face Mozambique in Maputo on September 25 and Ethiopia in Bahir Dar four days later. The window will conclude with a friendly against Comoros at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on October 4.