Senegal: Moussa Niakhaté welcomes Patrick Vieira with open arms

Moussa Niakhaté reacted enthusiastically to Patrick Vieira's appointment as Senegal head coach. Speaking to Ligue 1+ after Lyon's 4-0 victory over Rennes on Saturday in the 5th matchday of Ligue 1, the 30-year-old defender, who played the entire match, was keen to welcome the new leader of the Lions.

A message of continuity

For the 36-cap international, Vieira's arrival follows the work carried out by his predecessor, Pape Thiaw. “I think Vieira will bring continuity to what Pape Thiaw contributed. And we will be there to continue winning titles and take Senegal as high as possible. That starts with the next international break and the Africa Cup of Nations coming next summer,” he said.

High praise for the French world champion

The former Nottingham Forest and Mainz player also paid tribute to his career. “It is a good thing. He was already an incredible player. He could have played in our era because he was already ahead of his time. As a coach, he will bring us what he knows how to do and what he learned at Strasbourg, Nice and Crystal Palace,” Niakhaté added.

Called up to the Senegal squad, Moussa Niakhate and Patrick Vieira will reunite to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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Senegal

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations