Patrick Vieira reveals Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are his managerial inspirations

Patrick Vieira has cited Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho as two of his managerial inspirations. The Frenchman was appointed as the head coach of New York City FC in November 2015 and has revealed he plans to draw on the influence of some of his former bosses.

The 39-year-old manager pledged to be his own man during his time in charge of the Major League Soccer club, but has also admitted to borrowing certain ideas from the likes of Wenger and Mourinho.

"I've been very lucky playing under managers and spending time with them and learning from them. It's important though, to be myself and not copy anybody else because that will be the biggest mistake to make," he said at his unveiling as the team's new coach on 20 January, according to Sky Sports.

"Something I like about Mourinho is his preparation before a game. He was giving players key information about the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. I like Wenger with the freedoms he was giving to players to express themselves on the field."

Vieira – whose new team boasts the likes of Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa – also admitted he has taken inspiration from his former Manchester City managers Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini. "I like Mancini's passion and desire he was showing on the bench. At the same time, I like Pellegrini – the calm he was showing on the bench," the former City star explained.

Vieira retired from playing at City in May 2011, but subsequently took charge of the club's Elite Development Squad. He steered the squad to the Premier League International Cup before he was appointed as the new head coach of New York City FC.