text: For a player known for his fearsome, fire-breathing nature in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield, who would protect goal like it was a pot of gold, it is fitting that he is preparing to be a football manager at Dragon Park. Patrick Vieira is set to complete his UEFA Pro Licence this summer leaving Manchester City’s Head of the Elite Development equipped for the top job. He has been taking his coaching badges with the Welsh Football Association under their technical director Osian Roberts. Given Manuel Pellegrini’s capitulation at City, the timing of their conclusion could not be better with Vieira itching for a chance to test himself amongst the best. Patrick Vieira has been part of the coaching team at Manchester City since he retired . Vieira worked as Football Development Executive at City before becoming reserve team manager . Vieira is one of the potential candidates in the frame to replace Manuel Pellegrini - if he were to leave . Under Premier League rules, there is nothing stopping Vieira taking charge now as they allow coaches without the full qualifications to take charge for 12 weeks. There is currently no real hurry, but in the coming months City’s top echelons will have some important decisions to make. Vieira’s contract at City is due to expire this summer and he is not prepared to hang around forever waiting for a chance at the helm. City’s teenagers are in awe of the man, having grown up watching him torment the Premier League for a decade at Arsenal and City and across Europe. Vieira played for Manchester City towards the end of his career after spells at Juventus and Inter Milan . Vieira was signed by former manager Roberto Mancini in 2011 . One of their brightest prospects on loan at Lille, Rony Lopes, told Sportsmail in an interview: ’It was like a dream just to meet someone like Vieira. For him to be the coach, it was the best thing in the world. From the first day, he was always very friendly, talking to me a lot, trying to pass on his knowledge and make me grow up as a player and a person. That was he wanted. He is very important to me. He keeps in touch with me, asking how I am.’ After a poor start to his time in charge of City’s young players they have made it to the UEFA Youth League quarter-finals for two successive seasons, enhancing Vieira’s reputation. Young Portuguese player Rony Lopes spoke highly of Vieira . The Frenchman also has allies in the first team, having played with Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart in his one season at the club in 2010/11. When Vieira joined City in a coaching capacity in June 2013 his aim was to see how he progressed in ‘the next few years,’ suggesting he is coming to a decision-making juncture in his career. He chose the Welsh FA and Roberts, who works alongside his deputy Carl Darlington, to complete his badges because the pair are known for developing individual coaches through their personality. Vieira is best remembered for the nine years he spent at Arsenal . Vieira made his name in England at Arsenal where he won seven major honours . Vieira has his own idea of how he wants to manage a side. ‘My coaching style is a combination from my experience of working with Arsene Wenger, Fabio Capello and Jose Mourinho,’ he told Sportsmail in an interview. ‘There is a little bit of all of them, plus my own experience to deliver my message. The relationship with the players is so important. I want to trust them but they must trust me, too. I like it because I want to be close with them. ‘ . In February he added another stellar manager to his list of influences when he spent time at Bayern Munich with Pep Guardiola and his backroom staff. City’s academy director Mark Allen described how he likes his sides to play: ‘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.'
target: Patrick Vieira set to complete his UEFA Pro Licence this summer .
  Vieira has been working with Manchester City's development squad .
  Frenchman made his name as a tough midfielder at Arsenal .
  READ: Pellegrini's job on the line as Patrick Vieira waits in the wings .
  READ: Ashley Young laughs at City as United silence 'noisy neighbours'