Orangeburg, N.Y. — Despite reports from France that claim a deal is in the works, New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira denies that he is in negotiation to coach OGC Nice.
“It makes me smile, because of course there’s no contract being signed or anything like that,” Vieira said after NYCFC training Tuesday afternoon. “This is the wrong information. I’m here, like always. I’m really happy. I really enjoy my work, I really enjoy being part of this football club. I’m just focusing and concentrating about our next game.”
A L’Equipe report claims Vieira and his agent flew to France to finalize a two-year contract after Lucien Favre left Nice to take over as manager of Borussia Dortmund.
Vieira confirmed he was in France this weekend, but said it was to attend to a family matter.
“I think we are in a really good period,” NYCFC’s third-year boss said. “We’re doing really well. I don’t want players, myself, my staff or anybody in this football club to be distracted by what’s going on. My head, my focus and my energy are here.”
But for how long?
Vieira is under contract with City Football Group until December. NYCFC are attempting to extend that contract, per a source, but it’s a long process.
In the meantime, Vieira said he is not concerning himself with any job opportunities in France, England or anywhere else.
“That situation is the same for me,” Vieira said. “Things that I can control are being here, having my head, my energy to this football club and then everything going out is out of my hands. I can’t control what’s going on in France, what’s going on England or what’s going on anywhere else. I have a fantastic relationship with the people of this football club. We’ve always been clear with each other. For me this is the most important.
“The other things, I let people do what they need to do or say what they need to say.”
Vieira said he is aware of the social-media buzz and knows his players probably are as well.
“The players are going to go to social media and they’re going to do things, but when they come into training they will see my commitment, my energy and my desire to prepare the game and this is the only things I can do,” Vieira said. “There’s no point for me to talk to them because there is nothing to say.”
