Orangeburg, N.Y. ā Despite reports from France that claim a deal is in the works, New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira denies that he is in negotiation to coach OGC Nice.
āIt makes me smile, because of course thereās no contract being signed or anything like that,ā Vieira said after NYCFC training Tuesday afternoon. āThis is the wrong information. Iām here, like always. Iām really happy. I really enjoy my work, I really enjoy being part of this football club. Iām just focusing and concentrating about our next game.ā
A LāEquipe report claims Vieira and his agent flew to France to finalize a two-year contract after Lucien Favre left Nice to take over as manager of Borussia Dortmund.
Vieira confirmed he was in France this weekend, but said it was to attend to a family matter.
āI think we are in a really good period,ā NYCFCās third-year boss said. āWeāre doing really well. I donāt want players, myself, my staff or anybody in this football club to be distracted by whatās going on. My head, my focus and my energy are here.ā
But for how long?
Vieira is under contract with City Football Group until December. NYCFC are attempting to extend that contract, per a source, but itās a long process.
In the meantime, Vieira said he is not concerning himself with any job opportunities in France, England or anywhere else.
āThat situation is the same for me,ā Vieira said. āThings that I can control are being here, having my head, my energy to this football club and then everything going out is out of my hands. I canāt control whatās going on in France, whatās going on England or whatās going on anywhere else. I have a fantastic relationship with the people of this football club. Weāve always been clear with each other. For me this is the most important.
āThe other things, I let people do what they need to do or say what they need to say.ā
Vieira said he is aware of the social-media buzz and knows his players probably are as well.
āThe players are going to go to social media and theyāre going to do things, but when they come into training they will see my commitment, my energy and my desire to prepare the game and this is the only things I can do,ā Vieira said. āThereās no point for me to talk to them because there is nothing to say.ā