Strasbourg confirm Patrick Vieira’s departure

(FILES) Strasbourg's French head coach Patrick Vieira reacts during the French L1 football match between RC Strasbourg Alsace and FC Metz at the Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, eastern France, on May 12, 2024. - Patrick Vieira is no longer coach of Racing Club de Strasbourg, which terminated his contract "by mutual agreement", the club said in a press release on July 18, 2024. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Patrick Vieira stood down as manager Strasbourg, the Ligue 1 club confirmed on Thursday, as his name was linked to the vacant United States men’s team coaching job.

Vieira, a 1998 World Cup winner with France, joined Strasbourg last season and is leaving “by mutual agreement”, the French club said.

Vieira, 48, coached New York City in the MLS between 2016-2018 and, according to widespread reports, could be returning to the US to succeed Gregg Berhalter.

Berhalter was axed as United States coach following their first-round exit in the Copa America.

Vieira was asked about the States job last week after Strasbourg lost 4-0 to Turkish giants Fenerbahce in a pre-season friendly.

“The United States? Ah no, my focus is 100% in Alsace (Strasbourg)” he told a local newspaper in the northeastern region of France.

Vieira, who was under contract with Strasbourg until 2026, ended last season with his club in 13th place in Ligue 1.