Patrick Vieira responds following calls from pundit for him to replace Emery

Patrick Vieira has said that he has “nothing to say” in response to calls from some for him to take over as the new Arsenal boss.

The Gunners have begun the search for a new head coach following the sacking of Unai Emery on Friday, with Freddie Ljungberg installed on an interim basis for the foreseeable future.

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour called on the club to “gamble” by appointing Vieira but speaking to reporters at a press conference, the Nice manager played down such talk.

“It’s a very difficult job and I realise that,” Vieira said. “It’s always sad to see a coach lose his job. Today it’s his turn and tomorrow maybe it will be me.

“When you throw yourselves into this job, you have to expect to be sacked one day. There are things I don’t control.

“People say a lot of things in this industry, whether they’re true or not. I have nothing to say on the matter. Like you, I read things, watch things and listen to things.

“That’s all. I have never said I wanted to leave Nice! Maybe one day I’ll be sacked without wanting to leave Nice. I know where I am and I know where I’m going and it doesn’t bother me.

“It’s true that this evening I would have preferred more questions about the performance of my players rather than on my future.”

Arsenal sacked Emery after a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday made it seven games without victory, the club’s worst run since 1992.

 

 

The latest report has claimed that several candidates – including Massimiliano Allegri and Carlo Ancelotti – are under consideration by the club’s hierarchy.

However, the decision makers are said to be concerned by Allegri’s age and Ancelotti’s lack of English, leaving former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as their preferred replacement.