Houston Dynamo coach Owen Coyle has backed new New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira to thrive in Major League Soccer.
The ex-Bolton Wanderers manager has also insisted that Vieira’s arrival will be good for the league as a whole.
The new MLS franchise parted ways with coach Jason Kreis last month, and moved to appoint Arsenal great Vieira on Monday. The ex-French international midfielder was previously the head of Elite Development at Manchester City, NYCFC’s parent club, but had been waiting for an opportunity to break into management.
Vieira had previously been linked with both the vacant post at Leicester City and the managerial role at Sunderland, but has ultimately had to move to the United States in order to take a top job. For Vieira MLS represents an opportunity to learn his trade and prepare himself further for a top job in Europe.
Coyle, who was previously tipped as a potential replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, has welcomed Vieira’s arrival.
“I don’t think it’s down to me to give him advice,” Coyle revealed to Sky Sports, “but Patrick is such an honourable figure, he’s an outstanding player.”
SEE ALSO:
(Images) Superstars in attendance for Ronaldo film premiere; Chelsea coach & Manchester United icon SPOTTED on red carpet
Moyes sacked: Five Premier League clubs that should look at ex-Manchester United boss, including Chelsea
Forget Chelsea! This high-profile coach tipped to replace Pellegrini at Man City
“He’s been working at Manchester City, and Claudio Reyna is there as well, so Claudio will be able to help him on that route. I would say that as much as the team will give him all the bits and pieces, nothing will beat the experience of actually learning on the job and it’s a tough environment.”
Vieira won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, five FA Cups (with Arsenal and Manchester City), four Serie A titles (with Inter Milan and Juventus), and the World Cup and European Championships with France (in 1998 and 2000 respectively).