Patrick Vieira ‘will try to be myself’ but draw from Mourinho and Wenger at New York City FC

Citing Jose Mourinho's 'preparation', Arsene Wenger's 'freedom' and Roberto Mancini's 'passion', Patrick Vieira says he wants to shape New York City 'full of energy and have a positive attitude'.

Recently appointed New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira shown doing broadcasting work during the 2012/13 Champions League. Franck Fife / AFP

Patrick Vieira plans to draw on lessons learned under Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger as he launches his management career with New York City FC – but says he is determined to forge his own identity.

The list of Vieira’s coaches during a glittering playing career reads like a who’s who of European football management’s elite, including the likes of Wenger, Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Roberto Mancini.

The 39-year-old former Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan star said while each manager had influenced his career, Mourinho’s attention to detail and Wenger’s freedom of expression had made a lasting impression.

“Something that I really liked about Mourinho was his preparation before the game,” the World Cup-winning former France midfielder told a press conference on Wednesday.

“He would give players key information about the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition,” added Vieira, who played under Mourinho at Inter until leaving for Manchester City in January 2010.

“I liked Arsene Wenger with the freedom that he gave to players to express themselves on the field. I liked Mancini’s passion and desire that he was showing on the bench. I was really lucky in my career because I played under some fantastic coaches. And of course I take a little bit from all of them. But I want the team to reflect my personality,” Vieira said. He joins New York City from parent club Manchester City, where he had a youth development role..

“I will try to be myself and not try to copy anybody else because that would be the biggest mistake that I could make.”

New York City FC suffered a disappointing inaugural Major League Soccer season last year, finishing 17th overall, despite signing a galaxy of veteran European stars such as David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.

Vieira said he hoped to build a side which would reflect the dynamism of New York.

“We want to win trophies by playing the right way,” Vieira said. “What will be really important for me is to give an identity to the team – how to play with possession and without possession.

“I want to see the team reflecting what New York is all about. New York is lively, full of energy. I want my team to reflect that. I want them to be full of energy and have a positive attitude.”

The new MLS season kicks off in March, with New York City facing an away trip at the Chicago Fire in their season-opener.

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