Patrick Vieira spoke to the media this weekend about Unai Emery’s departure from Arsenal and the rumours about him taking over.

Patrick Vieira is one of many candidates who have already been linked with the long-term Arsenal job since Unai Emery’s departure on Friday.

Despite recent rumours of an exit of his own, Vieira is currently still managing OGC Nice in France. He expressed his sympathies on Emery losing the Arsenal job over the weekend, admitting you never know how long you’ll be kept around as a coach.

“It’s a very difficult job and I realise that,” Vieira said. “It’s always sad to see a coach lose his job. Today it’s his turn and tomorrow maybe it will be me. When you throw yourselves into this job, you have to expect to be sacked one day.”

Pushed on whether he’d be interested in taking over in North London, Vieira stayed guarded. He suggested the rumours are all just speculation, and he doesn’t have plans to leave his current club as things stand.

“There are things I don’t control,” Vieira continued. “People say a lot of things in this industry, whether they’re true or not. I have nothing to say on the matter.

“Like you, I read things, watch things and listen to things. That’s all. I have never said I wanted to leave Nice! Maybe one day I’ll be sacked without wanting to leave Nice. I know where I am and I know where I’m going and it doesn’t bother me.”

For the time being, Freddie Ljungberg will remain in charge as interim head coach. Arsenal have made it clear they’re in the hunt for a replacement, but they’ve also suggested they have faith in Ljungberg.

They certainly don’t want to rush to any decisions, like so many clubs do nowadays. This could be a saga that drags on for a while.