By David Awopetu
Patrick Vieira has been sacked as Nice head coach after two-and-a-half years in charge following a run of five straight defeats in all competitions.
The former France international midfielder has left the Ligue 1 club after they were knocked out of Europe and with the club 11th in the French Ligue 1 table.
The 44-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season, had come in for increasing criticism over a downturn in results amid accusations the team lacked a discernible style of play.
Vieira, who also played for Manchester City, Inter Milan and Juventus, was New York City boss before joining Nice.
A club statement released on Friday morning said: “Having arrived at OGC Nice in the summer of 2018, Patrick Vieira is no longer the coach of OGC Nice as of today.
“In an interview after last night’s meeting, the Nice board informed Patrick Vieira of their decision to end their collaboration.”
Nice have confirmed Adrien Ursea as interim manager for their trip to Reims in Ligue 1 this weekend.
