Is Patrick Viera fit to be USMNT’s coach? Well, Steve Nicols certainly doesn’t think so. Former Liverpool defender and veteran soccer analyst had candidly said that Vieira’s resume is not good enough for the USMNT coaching job. The US team has many options, including former English boss Gareth Southgate, French veteran Thierry Henry, and so on.  Vieira, anyhow, remains heavily linked to the US job, despite not winning any major titles because of his prior interest to coach the USMNT. Last year, the Frenchman even said he wanted to lead the US team to the 2026 World Cup. Turns out, the Arsenal legend has not changed his stance yet.

Renowned soccer journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Patrick Vieira is eyeing the USMNT job, shortly after he left the Ligue 1 club Strasbourg. “He[Vieira] is keen on becoming the next manager of the US,” said Fabrizio Romano on the ‘Here We Go’ podcast. Certain earlier reports had it that the US Soccer Federation and Vieira started negotiations for the US coaching job on Thursday after he became a free agent. The 1998 World champion also notably left Strasbourg with mutual consent, despite having two more years in his contract.

While rumors about USSF and Vieira’s negotiations stand, it is unclear if the American side is as keen on the Frenchman as he is. Various analysts close to the USMNT and certain former players have been trying to expose Vieira’s minimal experience as a manager. At this juncture, reports and rumors also link Vieira’s France and Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry to the job. Let’s also explore which other big names stand a good chance to occupy the seat left vacant by Gregg Berhalter.

US veteran unimpressed by Patrick Vieira’s CV, while USMNT eyes other hotshot targets

Former USMNT heavyweight Stu Holden recently echoed Steve Nicol’s comments on Patrick Vieira’s lack of experience. “Let’s take Patrick Vieira for example: Why would he be the right choice for USMNT? No international managing experience, no proven track record of consistently winning or improving young players,” Stu Holden wrote on his social media. Holden also stated that the Arsenal veteran failed to succeed during his MLS stint with New York City FC and his Premier League stint with Crystal Palace.

Anyhow, Vieira is showing the same passion he had last year for the US job and is ready to take the office any day. Let’s see if the Frenchman and the USSF shake hands. If the potential Vieira deal doesn’t fall through, the USSF has targeted Thierry Henry, Gareth Southgate, LAFC’s Steve Cherundolo, and Columbus Crew’s Wilfried Nancy. The USMNT has earlier reached out to Jurgen Klopp, who rejected the advance. Only time will tell who among these four big names would choose to be in Berhalter’s shoes. Or perhaps, the USSS will improve its coach hunt and add more heavyweight to its wishlist.