In Marseille, Patrick Vieira is still finding his bearings as Senegal coach, but the early results have given him a platform. After taking four points from two demanding Africa Cup of Nations qualifying trips, Vieira will lead a reshaped side against Comoros in a friendly at the Stade Vélodrome on Sunday.
The Ligue 1 news
Vieira faced the media on Saturday afternoon at the Hilton hotel in Marignane ahead of Senegal’s 3pm kick-off against Comoros. The former France midfielder laughed when he was mistakenly called “Patrick Evra”, before speaking about the different demands of international management.
“This job is completely different,” Vieira said. “It is important for me to have a very clear view of the priorities, so that we can build a strong weapon that will allow us to be competitive as quickly as possible.”
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will run from 19 June to 18 July 2027. Senegal began their qualification campaign with a goalless draw away to Mozambique, then earned a 1-0 win in Ethiopia.
Vieira felt there was plenty to improve, while stressing the value of the four points collected on difficult grounds.
“Not everything was perfect, but there were a great many positive things, especially in the commitment shown by the players,” he said. “That helped us take four points from two very difficult places to play.”
Next appointment in France
Senegal will meet Comoros in Marseille on Sunday at 3pm, with Vieira expected to make changes after injury problems affected senior players including Ismaïla Sarr and Moussa Niakhaté.
The Vélodrome friendly offers the new Senegal coach another chance to assess his options before the qualification campaign resumes, and to continue shaping the group he hopes can become competitive quickly.
