NYCFC hires Domenec Torrent to replace Patrick Vieira as manager

New York City FC has hiredDomenec Torrent to replace Patrick Vieira as head coach, the club announcedon Monday.

Torrent's contract with NYCFC will run through the 2020season.

Torrent, who has managed at Spanish side Girona and served as an assistant at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, had spent the past 11 seasons working with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

"Though I have enjoyed a wonderful 11 years working alongside my colleague and close friend Pep Guardiola -- it has always been my ambition to manage a team again and I really couldn't have hoped for a better opportunity than at this football club," said Torrent.

"I know we have a very talented team, I have watched many of the matches and I enjoy the way the team plays and I now can't wait to begin working with the players on the training pitch.

"Though I have been fortunate enough to visit New York on numerous occasions, I am looking forward to living and coaching in this special city and meeting the fans as soon as possible. I am eager to experience and play a part in the soccer culture of New York.

"I'd like to thank the players and all my colleagues at Manchester City for making my time at the football club such a wonderful and memorable experience."

Club vice chairman Marty Edelman hailed the knowledge Torrent will bring to the club.

"Domenec brings with him an incredible amount of experience having coached many of the greatest players in the world at the very highest level of the game," he said. "His influence on the sport has been significant and this is an exciting period not only for NYCFC but also for MLS -- a league that we know is excited by new influences as it continues to grow at a great pace.

"City Football Group has a wide network of coaches which has made it possible for us to find such exceptional talent so close at hand. The coaching staff in Manchester follow our games closely and I know how familiar Domenec is with our team and will appreciate both the quality of our team and the competitiveness of MLS.

"I'm pleased that we have been able to move so quickly to replace Patrick. A smooth transition was certainly a priority, particularly for a group of players who have had an excellent campaign so far. I know Domenec can't wait to get started."

Vieira, 41, stepped down as NYCFCcoachon Sunday following two successful years with the MLS club. He was officially announced by French side Nice as their new manager on Monday.

NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said he expectedDomenec to smoothly transition into his new role.

"Domenec is someone we know really well and have great confidence in as both a person and as a coach. He has a very clear idea of the style of play he wants -- he's a coach who will want to play the attacking and possession style of soccer that we want to continue to build upon.

"Domenec has been part of building some of the most memorable teams in soccer. He also comes from clubs that have a philosophy of giving an opportunity to younger talent, so this will continue to give opportunities to our younger players and is exciting for our academy."