A group of senior Manchester City players reportedly want to see Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira take over as manager if current incumbent Manuel Pellegrini leaves the club this summer.
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The Daily Mail reports that the Frenchman, who is currently head of City’s Elite Development Squad, is the number one choice in the eyes of many established Blues stars to take the helm if the position becomes vacant.
While the former Gunners captain has never managed a senior side before, he has impressed the champions with the impact he has made at youth level, while his highly-successful playing career means he commands instant respect in any dressing room.
The ex-midfielder won the World Cup and European Championships with France, as well as a host of domestic trophies during his time in north London, where he was also part of the famous 2004 ‘Invincibles’ side – the only team to make it through all 38 top-flight fixtures without losing once.
City have to decide on Vieira’s future in the coming weeks because his contract expires this summer, while under-fire Pellegrini has another 12 months left to run on his deal.
The Chilean may not get the chance to see out the final year, having seen his side fall to fourth in the Premier League table and exit all cup competitions prematurely.