It’s like a choreographed dance every few months.
Patrick Vieira is linked to a job opening, usually one overseas, with sources cited somewhere in Europe.
And then, later that day or the next, someone like me requests a comment from the New York City FC manager about said report.
The response is usually a categorical denial with a wry smile, followed with something along the lines of “I’m quite very happy where I am at the moment.”
That was the case when Vieira shot down rumors of a move to Southampton and another to St. Etienne — though at that time there were at least initial conversations with the Ligue 1 club.
He also quickly took his name out of any consideration to be the next US men’s national team coach when that job became available.
“It’s always flattering, but I’m not ready,” Vieira said at the time. “I think when you go to the national team, it’s important to know the league, to know the players, to understand the system and how it works and you need experience. There’s a lot better candidates than myself.”
But now, it’s a new dance, one that is a lot more enticing personally for Vieira, the chance to coach Arsenal, where he was a legendary player under a legendary coach in Arsene Wenger. Some tabloids in England labeled Vieira the frontrunner for the vacancy after Wenger made the shocking announcement on Friday that he's stepping down at season's end.
The second part of the dance came late Friday in Portland ahead of NYCFC's match against the Timbers on Sunday (6 pm ET; FS1, TSN2 — Full TV & streaming info). Following training, Vieira told Glenn Crooks, the play-by-play voice for the club's english language radio, this is not the time for him to make a move, even after professing his love for Arsenal.
"Always flattering. I'm always flattered to hear my name linked with different football clubs because that is good for your ego, I would say," Vieira said. "But at the same time, I’m happy here. Of course, spending nine years at Arsenal makes this club really special for me because of the quality of time I had over there, the relationship I had with the fans. But that’s not enough, of course, to [think of] of going there and coaching the team. I just enjoy myself, happy where I am and we will see what will happen in the next couple of years."
There’s a certainty that Vieira will move on from NYCFC — at some point. He’s proven his coaching chops in quickly turning NYCFC into a true MLS Cup contender in less than three years. He’s been steadfast about NYCFC having a true identity as a club, a style of play that is attractive and effective. After some early growing pains, he’s written the — no pun intended — blueprint for others to follow.
But now is not the time for such a move. Having covered Vieira closely since he arrived from Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, I think he's been very deliberate about the steps he's taken throughout his career, the same way he treats the youngest players at his club when the media asks about added responsibility and playing time.
He’s preached patience, staying the course, not rushing anyone before they’re ready, that they will get their chance in due time.
The same is true of Vieira, who is in the last year of his contract with NYCFC. He’s someone who has gotten NYCFC far in his time here, but Vieira hasn’t finished the job yet. Plus, there’s the ability to live in New York with far less pressure than will certainly engulf him in the London cauldron.
Here’s a little look into Vieira’s mind, a snippet taken from a post-training interview last month when asked about his commitment to the Cityzens. It speaks volumes of a man who values relationships and loyalty.
“I’m not going to repeat myself again. It’s all about the project, the people you’re working with, the happiness of living in New York City,” Vieira said. “I’m fully part of it. Being part means trying to take the football club to the level I believe we can achieve. This is the only thing I say for now.”
DYLAN BUTLER has been covering New York City FC for MLSsoccer.com since 2015.
