World Cup team target Arsenal legend after sacking manager

Pape Thiaw has been sacked after Senegal crashed out of the World Cup (Photo: Getty)

Senegal reportedly want to hire an Arsenal legend after sacking manager Pape Thiaw following their disappointing World Cup exit.

Currently ranked 15th in the world, Senegal were tipped to go far in North America, specially after winning the Africa Cup of Nations in January – though they later had the title stripped off them.

But instead they endured an extremely underwhelming tournament, beginning with defeats to France and Norway before a heavy win over Iraq saw them scrape through to the knockouts.

In the last-32, they were 2-0 up against Belgium with just four minutes to play, but suffered an extraordinary collapse and lost in extra-time courtesy of a 125th minute Youri Tielemans penalty.

In the wake of their exit, captain and Liverpool legend Sadio Mane retired from international duty, while star midfielder Pape Gueye said he would not play for his country again until there was a change in the dugout.

And the former Watford star has got his wish, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announcing on Sunday that Thiaw had been relieved of his dutues.

‘After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football,’ an FSF statement read.

Despite their impressive team, Senegal lost three of their four games, conceding nine goals (Photo: Getty)

‘Also, the Executive Committee mandated the President to take all necessary measures for a genuine reorganisation of all national teams.

‘Furthermore, the President of the Senegalese Football Federation will hold a press conference on Monday, July 13. This meeting with the media will be an opportunity to present the reasons for this decision, to take stock of the situation of the national team and to discuss the prospects for the future.’

As one of Africa’s best teams, whose squad includes Chelsea duo Nicolas Jackson and Mamadou Sarr, Senegal ought to be an attractive prospect for top coaches.

Patrick Vieira has been out of work since leaving Genoa last year (Photo: Getty)

And according to L’Equipe, the Teranga Lions are looking to hire a big name, World Cup winner and Premier League champion: Patrick Vieira.

One of the best midfielders of his generation, Vieira was born in Senegal’s capital Dakar but moved to France when he was eight.

He was capped over 100 times for Les Bleus, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, as well as three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with the Gunners.

The 50-year-old’s managerial career hasn’t been as successful, though he did earn plenty of praise during his near-two year spell at Crystal Palace, and was even touted as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Out of work since leaving Italian side Genoa last November, Vieira has been one of ITV’s main pundits throughout their World Cup coverage this summer.

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