Leeds United's managerial search heads into it's third week following the departure of Sam Allardyce and former Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira is the latest name linked with the Elland Road hot seat. The Whites are still waiting for official EFL confirmation of sale by Andrea Radrizzani to 49ers Enterprises which is likely to have delayed any appointment.
The club said a managerial decision would come in the following weeks but the Whites are due to begin pre-season at the start of July and they will have just one month to get ready for the opening game of the season. It'll be a quick turnaround for any incoming manager but it still leaves them with time to implement fresh ideas.
Vieira was hailed for breathing new life into Crystal Palace, but lost his job following an 11-game winless run at the start of 2023. The former Arsenal midfielder was linked with a move to Elland Road following Jesse Marsch's departure but the Whites' hierarchy turned to Javi Gracia in their hour of need.
46-year-old Vieira is still in the early years of his managerial career having come through Manchester City Football Group. The Premier League title winner retired at Manchester City in 2011 and took up the role of Football Development Executive before taking up the role of club's new reserve team: the Elite Development Squad in 2013.
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The Frenchman was linked with a move to Newcastle United and their vacant managerial role in 2015 but both parties decided against the move. In November of that year, Vieira was appointed as head coach of New York City FC - sister club of Manchester City - helping to guide the club to a second-placed finish, up from a 17th-placed finish in his first year in charge.
Vieira's first signing during his time in the MLS was none other than current Leeds United winger Jack Harrison and he could play a big role in fending off any potential suitors this summer, if he's appointed as head coach. The Frenchman had a 44.44 per cent win rate with New York City - the best of his managerial career.
After impressing in America, Vieira returned to France with Ligue 1 side Nice and helped guide Les Aiglons to a seventh-placed finish and secured a spot in the group stages of the Europa League. However, a disappointing European campaign and five losses in a row in all competitions saw him relieved of his duties in December 2020.
Vieira had to wait until the summer of 2021 for a return to management when Steve Parish came calling with Crystal Palace. The Eagles were beaten 3-0 on his debut as boss against Chelsea, but they'd pick up solid points on the road at his former club Arsenal and a 3-0 win over Manchester City.
He steered Palace to a 12th-placed finish and an FA Cup semi-final in 2021-22 but lost his job in March 2023. Vieira's playing style is based on proactive possession football, a development from Roy Hodgson's counter-attacking game.
The French head coach still has a point to prove in England after his Eagles' departure where he picked up just 22 wins in 74 games - a win rate of 29.73 per cent - the worst of his managerial tenure leaving him with a clear area to improve in his next position.
