OGC Nice have parted company with former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira. The Ligue 1 side appointed Vieira as their manager in the summer of 2018. However, a poor start to this season has seen the club act quickly and bring an end to Vieira’s two-and-a-half years in charge.
This is the first time the club has changed manager since British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe bought the club last year. His first managerial appointment sees assistant manager Adrian Ursea become the head coach. Ursea will take charge of his first game on Sunday, December 6.
Vieira leaves Nice 11th in the Ligue 1 table, eight points behind leaders Paris Saint Germain and six points off the Champions League places.
Patrick Vieira Sacked by OGC Nice After Two-and-a-Half Years in Charge
#OGCNice part ways with Patrick Vieira.
➡️https://t.co/1AlfRkru7B pic.twitter.com/8OqvRSe5a2
— OGC Nice 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@ogcnice_eng) December 4, 2020
Assistant Manager Adrian Ursea Will Take Over as Manager
There had been murmurs of discontent for some time in the South of France with Nice’s inconsistent performances. The club are currently on a run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions, four of which came at home, across both Ligue 1 and the Europa League, proved to be the final nail in Vieira’s coffin.
The club were convincingly beaten by the French top flight’s basement side Dijon. That was followed by a defeat to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen which ended their European adventures this season. While the results have been there at times this season, ultimately the inconsistent style of football Vieira was instructing has frustrated both the fans and the board.
All the Best
In a statement on the Nice website, the club said: “Patrick Vieira put all his heart and professionalism into his service for OGC Nice over the last two and a half years of their collaboration.”
“The Nice board sincerely thanks the former France international for his commitment and dedication to the development of the club and wishes him every future success in his coaching career.”
The club also confirmed Vieira’s assistant Adrian Ursea will be promoted to head coach. Ursea has been with the club for several years having been also assisted Lucien Favre.
Ursea’s first game in charge will be a trip to Reims on Sunday. A great opportunity for the new manager to get a first win on the board. Their opponents are fourth from bottom in Ligue 1.
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