In about ten days, RC Strasbourg has just experienced its revolution. After the takeover of the club by the American consortium BlueCo and the departure of Frédéric Antonetti, it was this Monday Patrick Vieira who was inducted coach of the last 15th in Ligue 1.
“A new cycle also begins with a new coach”, summed up its president Marc Keller, proud to present the 1998 world champion. time in 1997. “I am very happy that you are here”, added the strong man of the Alsatian club, explaining why the choice fell on Vieira. “We wanted a coach with international experience, another from Ligue 1 and who had worked with young players. Patrick’s profile seemed very interesting to us. »
A “video” approach then “a meeting in Strasbourg” and the deal was completed with the technician who worked for Manchester City youth (2013-2014), before New York City FC (2016-2018), OGC Nice (2018-2020) then Crystal Palace (2021-2023). A last English experience which had ended badly last March, but whose coach has kept some reflexes.
The proof ? This little slip when the native of Dakar, 47, spoke of “Premier League” instead of Ligue 1! A rare false note during a press conference where he insisted several times on the “passion” that reigns around his new employer. “Strasbourg is a club that I knew. Playing at La Meinau marked me. This atmosphere transcends […] It smells like football here. This club represents something. We feel a strong relationship with the public, this is not the case everywhere. There is everything to work well. »
“More than 25 million euros” for transfers
With what means and what staff? Marc Keller refused to give a precise figure concerning the envelope dedicated to recruitment. But with the arrival of the new owners, it will be substantial, “more than 25 million euros”, he blew. Enough to bring “6, 7, 8 players”, in all lines. Without counting those currently at the end of the contract but whose RCSA would extend the lease. This is the case of defender Alexander Djiku, “with whom we discuss”, and Kevin Gameiro, with whom “Patrick will discuss to refine his position”.
On the other hand, the Dimitri Liénard emblem will no longer wear the blue jersey. “He was offered a conversion to the three-year club. If he wants to continue playing, he will come back to us when he decides and take a tour of the services to find out where he wants to go, ”detailed Marc Keller, who also confirmed that the Morgan Sanson file was still open. . The former Marseillais was loaned by Aston Villa last winter and the Alsatian leaders would like to see him return.
“There are a lot of very good players, I want to keep the best”, also said the former midfielder of the Blues, without naming anyone. He was not yet to know them all, after meeting the Strasbourg squad that morning. “I felt a group that had had a very good vacation, I was in a hurry to see them,” he smiled, he who knows he is eagerly awaited after mixed experiences in his previous clubs. “I am much clearer about my desires as a coach, I have a lot more certainty,” assured the former great midfielder of Arsenal.
He could need it to revive a team struggling last season (15th) and which obviously aims to go higher. At what rank? Again, Marc Keller did not give a precise figure. “We brought in BlueCo to grab a few places and have more security”, just indicated the president. “We have to be ambitious and we will be,” concluded the new technician.