12 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Patrick Vieira's Managerial Career

7. Vieira Is Flexible With Formations... But Plays A Fast Press, Possession-Based Game Allied With Quick Attacking

Usually Vieira's teams operate using a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with the full-backs allowed to fly forward at every opportunity and the midfield given the freedom to drift and switch positions. He is flexible with his formations, however, and changes them depending on opponent, personnel and also during a game as he reacts to unfolding situations. Vieira's style has been described as such by Man City's academy director Mark Allen:

"We play out from the back, through the thirds, into midfield and then a possession-based game but with fast, attacking play. "We want to keep the ball, have full-backs bombing on and work on a very fast recovery. "Press, press, press - and play again."

That would certainly see a welcome change in method to the turgid style of play witnessed as St James' Park in the last couple of seasons - and it would bring excitement guaranteed.