Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 6y

NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira says he's 'not chasing' new job in Europe

Patrick Vieira insists he is "not chasing a job in Europe," with the highly rated New York City FC boss happy with at the MLS franchise.

After working in Manchester City's youth set-up, Vieira, 41, is revelling in his first senior coaching role, having taken NYCFC to the Eastern Conference semifinals in each of his first two seasons.

Inevitably, Vieira has been linked with a host of vacant positions in Europe, given his moderate success in MLS and the stature earned from a playing career during which he won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, and played for the likes of Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan, 

He admitted in October he had been contacted by French outfit Saint-Etienne over their vacant first-team coaching position. But he told Le Figaro this week that he is happy to stay in the Big Apple.

"In all honesty, I'm not chasing a job in Europe! The NYCFC is part of a family, with Manchester City in England and Melbourne City FC in Australia," he said of the City Football Group parent company.

"We have objectives which are very high. I just want to continue blossoming in my job."

Though Vieira's focus lies on the upcoming MLS season, he does pay close attention to the work of his former international teammates, such as Didier Deschamps and Zinedine Zidane, who are enjoying success as coaches of France and Real Madrid respectively.

"When I see what Didier and Zizou are doing as coaches, or what Laurent Blanc has done, I'm envious, of course, but also very happy for them," he said.

"And there is also Thierry [Henry], who works with Belgium, and Maké [Claude Makelele] who had taken on a club again [Belgium's Eupen]. We were all together on the pitch at the highest level.

"We have taken our coaching badges, taken our first steps together before having responsibilities. It's also that which gives us credit and respect today. All together, I know we're linked to 1998 forever."

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