EDITORIAL (May 23, 2018) — Someone is lying. Either OGC Nice in a large piece of brinksmanship or Patrick Vieira trying to keep the team focused on that task at hand while it all plays out. Or possibly both sides. Each exaggerating or underplaying their position in the chess game of negotiations. Patrick Vieira has agreed to become the new head of OGC Nice, or he’s staying at New York City FC. And it’s thrown social media and the press, The Man in Seat 9 included, into a bit of a tizzy.
The Man in Seat 9: Patrick Vieira No Regrets
The thing is — it doesn’t matter. It’s another growth milestone reached by New York City FC and one that we have to accept. NYCFC has matured at a rapid pace. The only downside to the club and organization is the playing of football in a baseball stadium. And the drama of organizational change is a part of big team life.
Players, good players, and managers are going to come and go. As much as the MLS PR machine wants fans and advertisers to believe that the league is a top tier world league, we all know that it’s not. And that means talent is going to get noticed and offers are going to be made, and careers are going to continue their upward journey. There is no league in the world where this doesn’t happen, except in the top tier the changes are more club to club.
Patrick Vieira’s contract is up at the end of the season. And unless he extends we will be in the same situation. A little more controlled, yes, but the team will move on. He is a shaping force of our team but he is not the team. We have been nurtured and have grown are ready to make our way on our own.
Do I want him to stay? Of course. He has become one of my favorite head coaches. Do I want him to go? Yes — the same as I would for any friend who got the opportunity to return home, enjoy the waters of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, climb the hills of Eze, and have a life in the South of France.
If he stays or if he leaves, we will be fine. We have a deep bench.
Non, rien de rien, non, je ne regrette rien
C’est payé, balayé, oublié, je me fous du passé
Non je ne regrette rien,
The Man in Seat 9
May 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira walks on to the the field before the game against the D.C. United at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. New York City FC defeated D.C. United 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
