Arsenal icon, Patrick Viera has been sacked at OGC Nice after two and half years in charge of the Ligue 1 club.
The Arsenal icon lost his job after his side were knocked out of the Europa League. He lost 3-2 to Bayern Leverkusen at home on Thursday which appeared to be the last straw for the club and fans. His assistant, Adrien Ursea has taking charge.
What would later happen had been noticed as Nice ultras before the game surrounded the team bus in protest of Vieira with the club in a horror run of form.
Nice run of bad form also extends to the domestic front as they are also currently sitting just 11th in the French top-flight. It had been rumoured that the future of Viera hung in the balance even before Thursday.
Earlier today, Nice owned by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe confirmed that that Vieira has been relieved of his duty.
“Patrick Vieira, who joined the club in the summer of 2018, is no longer head coach of OGC Nice, effective immediately.
“In a meeting conducted after last night’s match, the Nice Board informed Patrick Vieira of their decision to end their collaboration.
“The Rouge et Noir club has decided to appoint Adrien Ursea as head coach of the club’s professional first team, as of today. “
Patrick Viera expected protests from Nice fans
After their European dreams ended yesternight, Viera who was part of Arsenal’s invincible admitted that he knew the club fans would protest due to their Ligue 1 form as well.
Nice have lost their last five matches in all competitions. This includes big losses against Slavia Prague (twice), Monaco, and even Ligue 1 basement boys Dijon.
“We expected it. The supporters are passionate, they love this club and it hurts them.
“We wanted to win this match to dedicate the win to them.The message of the dissatisfaction has been heard.
“We saw a reaction this evening but it’s still not enough to beat a team that was clearly better than us over the two encounters,” he added.
Vieira was appointed as Nice coach in 2018. During his first season at the club, he led them to fifth in Ligue 1 last term.
The former France midfielder finished his career at Manchester City and was appointed boss of the Citizens’ sister club New York City in 2016.
