Chairman hints that Vieira could be next City boss
Khaldoon Al Mubarak has spoken highly of the former France midfielder, explaining that his work with the club's young players
Chairman hints that Vieira could be next City boss
May 22, 2014 19:30
By Stuart Brennan
Khaldoon Al Mubarak has spoken highly of the former France midfielder, explaining that his work with the club's young players
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has dropped the broadest hint yet that Patrick Vieira is being groomed as a future Blues manager.
The legendary French midfielder had a superb first season in charge of the club’s elite development squad (EDS).
And his demeanour, as well as the wealth of experience he imparts to his young charges has greatly impressed club bosses.
Khaldoon singled out the ex-Blues star for special praise in his end of season address to City fans.
“I have a lot of confidence in, and the highest regard for, Patrick,” said Khaldoon. “He has been an incredible player and is becoming an incredible coach and I am very proud of him.
“How he went about his first year as a coach is a testament to himself and to the support group within the organisation to make sure he gets everything he needs to develop and be successful on and off the pitch.”
Nothing much was expected of the club’s Under-21s, especially as they are largely made up of young players, with older or more experienced men George Evans, Emyr Huws, Albert Rusnak and Karim Rekik out on loan.
That age group has not won anything before, but it reached the league play-offs, the League Cup and Manchester Senior Cup finals and the Uefa Youth League quarter-finals.
The group has been bolstered in recent years by the addition of some talented foreign youngsters such as Seko Fofana, Marcos Lopes, Jason Denayer and Angelino.
But it also has an English, and Mancunian heart in Devante Cole, Jordy Hiwula, Shay Facey, Greg Leigh and Ellis Plummer.
Vieira’s squad exceeded expectations, and that did not escape the notice of the hierarchy.
“His teams were all competitive and he was able to push his team to the final stages of every tournament they were involved in – again, testament to someone who is a winner and who is well-respected by senior and junior players, fans and media,” said Khaldoon.
“I think he will have a very successful career in coaching and what he is doing with the EDS will help him move from step to step and become a successful coach.”
City are more than happy with Manuel Pellegrini, winning two trophies in his debut season, but the executive team believe more in managerial cycles than a Sir Alex Ferguson-style dynasty, so three or four years down the line they may be seeking a change.
Vieira, who has been steeped in the club’s holistic approach, would be a natural fit.
Khaldoon was also delighted by the fact that the academy teams are thriving, ahead of the move to the Etihad Campus facility later this year.
“I am very proud of the accomplishments of all of our youth teams. Our Under-11s, Under-14s and Under-18s all won their championships.
“Then there is the success of the Under-13s, reaching the final and losing on penalties, and the Under-16s, who have seven players called up for England – this is remarkable.
“Then on the last day when we beat West Ham, we had the youth, the future of this club, carrying that Premier League trophy onto the pitch, is the image I want everyone to remember.
“These young lads might be the ones who are truly carrying the championship trophy as winners in years to come.
“This year the City Football Academy facility will come onstream, a facility we have invested over the last couple of years, a facility designed with our philosophy in mind, in which we want to bring all of our teams, from first team to youth, down to one site.
“This is not just pitches and a gym, but also a philosophy in terms of how we run our club and our football. When we move into it later this year, I believe it will be the best facility in football.”
