Vieira Excited to Learn from Guardiola

There’s no such thing as a offseason break when you’re NYCFC’s Head Coach…

Patrick Vieira will spend this week at City Football Academy in Manchester observing Pep Guardiola’s work with the Manchester City FC first-team.

The Frenchman has expressed his excitement at the prospect of learning from one of the most celebrated minds in the beautiful game.

Vieira describes this week-long stay in Manchester as the start of his preparations for the 2017 MLS season as he returns to the place where he took his first steps in coaching as Head of Manchester City Elite Development Squad.

It’s the first time he’s been back since taking up his post at the turn of the year.

Vieira told NYCFC.com: “I’m going to Manchester to spend the week over there to spend some time with the first-team to see how they work.

"To be learning next to Pep Guardiola at City Football Academy  – talking with the guys from the City Football Group, to the scouting department - this is how we start to prepare for next season.

“I’ve had a chance to meet Pep before – I believe he’s one of the best, if not the best.

“If you look at his results and what he’s won over the last few years, that’s one thing, but it’s the way he’s won things, with the style of football that he plays… I think there’s obviously something to learn from that.

“I’m really looking forward to the trip because I always want to learn and this will be a really interesting week for me.”

Vieira brought an end to his playing days at Manchester City where he played alongside a clutch of players who are still in the first-team squad at the Premier League side.

He admits that he’s looking forward to seeing them again, as well as members of staff in the offices.

Vieira added: “I’m really looking forward to seeing some old faces – I haven’t had the chance to go back since I moved to New York but I’m still in touch with Vincent [Kompany] once or twice every week - we are really close friends still.

“Seeing the likes of Zabaleta, seeing some of the players who I had a chance to play with over there, as well as the people who work at the football club in the administration department, will be really good as well.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing them all.”

Look out for pictures, stories and video from Patrick's week in Manchester here on NYCFC.com throughout the week.