Former France captain Patrick Vieira has described his appointment as Senegal's new head coach as his 'homecoming' adventure.
Vieira was born in the Senegalese capital city of Dakar and he left the West African country for France with his parents at the tender age of eight.
He was appointed Pape Thiaw's successor after Senegal's underwhelming outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vieira was unveiled as the African nation's new head coach to the press on Friday and he affirmed that he is capable to lead the Teranga Lions during his maiden briefing.
During Friday's presser, the Frenchman also announced his first squad whom will be looking to represent their country in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the friendly match against Comoros in Marseille.
VIEIRA DETERMINED TO MEET SENEGAL EXPECTATIONS
The former Genoa and Crystal Palace manager disclosed that joining the Senegal national team was a no-brainer after his first encounter with the country's federation.
Vieira believes vast playing and coaching experience would be crucial in helping him meet the expectations of the Senegalese people.
"Being head coach of the Senegal national team is an absolute dream," Vieira said in a news conference, per BBC.
"I was born here, my parents were born here, and it really is a homecoming.
"From the very first meetings I had with the [Senegal football federation] president, I accepted this challenge straight away, because there was also an exceptional generation of players.
"I realise the expectations of the people - all 20 million Senegalese. And I know that with the experience I have, with the determination I have, I'll be able to see this project through."
Vieira will begin his reign as Senegal coach with away games against Mozambique and Ethiopia in the AFCON qualifiers on September 25 and 29, respectively.
The 50-year-old will then return to France with his squad for an international friendly against Comoros in Marseille on October 4.
VIEIRA RESPONDS TO DOUBTS OVER COACHING ABILITY
After a trophy-laden playing career across Europe and at the international level with France, Vieira has struggled to replicate similar success since he began his coaching career in 2016.
He has coached in the United States, France, Italy and England but has yet to lift silverware as a coach.
Vieira's most recent stint was at Genoa in the Italian Serie A and he was shown the exit door after recording six losses in nine league games at the start of the 2025-26 season.
"When you talk about my coaching career, or a certain amount of experience, I've always been someone who stays positive," he continued.
"That means you learn, and there are always positive things to take from it. I'm a better coach today than I was in my last spell at Genoa, because that experience helped me grow and made me realise certain things.
"Given the experience I have as a manager, I've got no doubt about my ability to meet the expectations of fans."
As preparations intensify for Vieira's debut game as Teranga Lions head coach, the Senegal FA are yet to confirm the backroom staff that will support the Frenchman in his new role.
