Patrick Vieira has been named RC Strasbourg Alsace’s head coach for the coming season.

Patrick Vieira with Albert Sambi Lokonga
Patrick Vieira with Albert Sambi Lokonga via Crystal Palace

Patrick Vieira has been announced as RC Strasbourg’s new head coach on a three-year deal.

Strasbourg parted ways with their previous head coach Frederic Antonetti last week and they didn’t waste any time in identifying former Arsenal midfielder Vieira as a replacement.

The club have reportedly guaranteed Vieira that they’re aiming to push on and fight in the top half of Ligue 1 next season, rather than battling relegation as they did in 2022/23.

Crystal Palace's French manager Patrick Vieira gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Crystal Palace’s French manager Patrick Vieira gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Since winning Ligue 2 in 2016/17, Strasbourg have generally finished in the bottom half of Ligue 1, ending up in 15th, 11th, 10th, 15th, 6th, and 15th across the last six seasons.

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They achieved unexpected success in 2018/19, winning the Coupe de la Ligue against the odds. But they failed to follow that up by qualifying for the Europa League the next season, losing their final qualifier to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Vieira will now hope to help his new club push on and reach a higher level more consistently.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Patrick Vieira, Manager of Crystal Palace applauds the fans following victory in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on March 05, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Patrick Vieira, Manager of Crystal Palace applauds the fans following victory in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on March 05, 2022. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Since ending his playing days, Vieira has managed the Manchester City Academy, New York City FC, OGC Nice, and Crystal Palace.

That last spell in the Premier League lasted just under two years and ended in March, with Roy Hodgson taking back over at the club.

Vieira was linked with Leeds United, but it seems a return to his home country was the more attractive option.

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