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Newcastle United potential Rafa replacement: Patrick Vieira

By Carson A Merk

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Reserve team manager of Manchester City FC Patrick Vieira looks on during the UEFA Youth League Round of 16 match between Manchester City FC and FC Schalke 04 at City Football Academy on February 24, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Reserve team manager of Manchester City FC Patrick Vieira looks on during the UEFA Youth League Round of 16 match between Manchester City FC and FC Schalke 04 at City Football Academy on February 24, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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The former Arsenal star is reportedly on the shortlist for the Newcastle United managerial opening.

Days after the news broke that Rafa Benitez will not be extended at Newcastle United, there are countless names linked to the upcoming opening. One name that has been rumored to be on the shortlist is Patrick Vieira, who actually interviewed with Newcastle United back in 2015. We take a look at the legendary player’s resume and how he might fit with the Magpies.

Previous candidate articles: Eddie Howe, David Moyes, Anthony Hudson, Mikel Arteta, Laurent Blanc,

The CV

Age: 43

Current club: Nice

Previous club(s) managed: New York City FC, Manchester City’s reserve side

Playing career? A remarkable one. The French midfielder starred for Arsenal, Inter, Juventus, Manchester City, and a few other sides. He made over 100 appearances for France in international play.

The Experts’ Opinions

Durim Halimi: 3

Compared to some of the other managers who have been linked to the vacancy at Newcastle United, Patrick Vieira is a safe option to replace Rafa Benitez. He does not have much coaching experience, but he has done well with New York City FC in the MLS and is doing a decent job with Nice in Ligue 1. The Premier League would be a major upgrade for the former French international, but the pressure to perform is also going to be more difficult for him to handle.

Being a former elite player in the league makes him a good fit for getting the best out of his players and he would certainly be a vocal manager on the sidelines. His lack of experience as a manager in England is the greatest weakness on his application, but it would not be major gamble for the Magpies to take a chance on him.

Carson A. Merk: 3.5

Yes, Patrick Vieira is not overly experienced as a manager. But, he has been moderately successful at both of his coaching stops so far. He’s not the safest pick, but I think he has nearly the most upside of any rumored candidate.

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For me, the two most important things in Vieira’s favor are his experience/knowledge in Premier League soccer and the respect he will command based on his playing career. An absolute hero at Arsenal, Vieira also spent time with Manchester City and he still understands how the league works, retiring less than a decade ago. He was a top player in his generation and as a player, it’s difficult not to respect a legend that came before you. I think Vieira would do well motivating the dressing room and playing an attacking style of soccer.