Patrick Vieira reveals influence of Brian Marwood on his managerial career

Patrick Vieira has praised the influence of Brian Marwood on his burgeoning managerial career as he prepares to take on his first role at New York City FC next year.

The former Arsenal midfielder, who is currently head coach of the Elite Development Squad at Manchester City, will take up his new job on January 1 in advance of pre-season for the team's second MLS campaign after signing a three-year deal earlier this week.

And he says Marwood, who operates as the Football Administration Officer at City after spending the bulk of his playing career at Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal, opened his mind to the possibility of management.

"When I stopped playing I didn't know which way I was going to take," Vieira told NYCFC.com. "I was lucky to have Brian Marwood next to me and guide me and open my mind on the managerial side. 

"He pushed me to spend time with the kids at the academy at Manchester City and the more time I spent there the more I loved being around the players. I fell in love with the job.

"It's important to have people who believe in you, who can see a different side to yourself - Brian had a massive impact on where I am today.

"Growing up in Senegal it never crossed my mind that I would manage a team in New York and of course growing up in Paris, I wasn't thinking about coming to New York one day. It just shows you sometimes life takes you to places you would never dream about."

Vieira says City fans will identify with the team he puts out as he hopes to push through youth talent whenever possible.  

"Young players are the future and will have a massive part to play in this football club. Working with the youth at City and I know how important it is," he said.

"They are the identity of the club, the ones who link with the fans. The fans want to see young players coming through and playing in the first team, so I'm looking forward to working with them and helping them develop. 

"The message to the fans will be 'keep supporting the players because all together we can achieve something special here. There is a desire and a commitment for success and we will not achieve it if you are not behind us'."