Patrick Vieira set to reunite with Hachim Ali Mbae

Patrick Vieira is set to bring Hachim Ali Mbae into his staff as he takes charge of the Lions. The Comorian is expected to work as an assistant responsible for video analysis, adding a familiar figure to Vieira’s technical team.

Ali Mbae and Vieira previously worked together at Nice, Strasbourg and Genoa. Their professional relationship therefore spans three clubs and several stages of Vieira’s coaching career. Ali Mbae also has experience as a former midfielder with AS Cagnes.

The make-up of Vieira’s staff is emerging ahead of his official presentation as the Lions’ new head coach, scheduled for Friday, 18 September. Ali Mbae’s expected appointment is the first named addition to the group and represents a reunion with a former colleague rather than a new working relationship.

Vieira’s arrival has already placed attention on the personnel who will support him, with video analysis identified as one of the early areas of responsibility. The expected inclusion of Ali Mbae gives the incoming coach an assistant who has worked alongside him at three previous clubs and knows his methods from those appointments.