Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira is expected to launch his coaching career on Sunday as he guides New York City FC against Chicago Fire. The former Arsenal great was part of the famous ‘invincibles’ who won the Premier League title unbeaten in 2003/04. He also won the 1988 World Cup with France and is banking on his experience both on and off the pitch to steer the MLS side to greatness. Speaking to Goal USA regarding the expectations ahead of the much-anticipated kick-off, he said:
"I spent the time in Puerto Rico and I realized that it was a really good group of players who didn’t fulfil their potential, and this was one of the reasons I accepted the job
"I believe last year the team didn't play at their level of potential. I spent the time in Puerto Rico with them and I knew we could do something special."
He added:
“What I really like about this group is that they are really willing to take information on board," Vieira said. "They are really open. They are lively, it’s a really lively group, and they are hungry to win something. They want to achieve something.”
#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/2zPvYWpQme
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) January 21, 2016
The MLS side also boasts of one of the strongest midfields in the league, marshalled by some of the greatest players in the history of football, which include the likes of Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and Mix Diskerud. The new manager added that he would want his players to play attack-minded football, rather than relying on their defense. He revealed:
"I think what is important for us is I want the players to defend going forward," Vieira said. "We have to be proactive in our minds, we have to anticipate what can happen. We always have to be positive and we have to work for that."
The 39-year-old rookie manager now heads to the Toyota Park to face Chicago Fire FC and will be hoping to kick-start the new season on a winning note. Now that he has a star studded squad, three points against Frank Yallop’s men is all he needs to officially announce his arrival in the world of football as a legendary player-cum-manager.
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