The name on Senegal's agenda: Patrick Vieira

A striking name is emerging for the head coach position of the Senegal national team. According to L'Équipe, Patrick Vieira is the overwhelming favourite to replace the dismissed Pape Thiaw. The fact that France's 1998 World Cup-winning legend was born in Dakar adds a special dimension to his candidacy.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) officially dismissed Thiaw along with his entire technical staff on Saturday, following the team's World Cup disappointment. Having arrived at the tournament as one of the favourites after beating Morocco in January's Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal lost to France and Norway in the group stage, then were eliminated in the Round of 32 with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium after leading 2-0 with five minutes of normal time remaining. The 45-year-old Thiaw was also facing a five-match ban starting in September for leading his players off the pitch in protest at the penalty awarded to Morocco in the Africa Cup final.

Vieira's profile more than matches the international experience the federation is seeking. The 49-year-old, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, claimed three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his time as Arsenal captain; his playing career also included spells at AC Milan, Juventus, Inter and Manchester City. Vieira, who most recently coached Genoa, has never managed a national team before.

FSF president Abdoulaye Fall is expected to outline the roadmap at a press conference on Monday. Two major objectives await the incoming head coach: the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup.

Source: L'Équipe
Image: BBC Sport