NYCFC's Patrick Vieira knocks down questions about Arsenal job

New York City FC manager PatrickVieira declined to answer any questions about the Arsenal coaching vacancy after his team lost its first game of the MLS season on Sunday night.

Arsene Wenger announced he would be leaving Arsenal after 22 years on Friday -- just one day after saying former Arsenal captain Vieira "has the potential" to fill his position one day.

Vieira said on Saturday he was "flattered" to be linked to the job, but repeatedly shunned questions about the possibility he could leave MLS for the Premier League.

"I just want to talk about the game, I don't want to talk about nothing else," he said.

Vieira also wouldn't say if the speculation played any part in NYCFC's 3-0 defeat on the road against the Portland Timbers -- his side'sfirst defeat after five wins and two draws to open the MLS season.

"I don't have any comment to make,"Vieira said. "I just want to talk about today's game and nothing else."

ButVieira also remained tight-lipped when asked to explain whyJesus Medina and Yangel Herrera were only used as substitutes rather than in the starting XI.

Both players had started all of NYCFC's previous games this season, though Herrera said last week that he was ready to leave NYCFC for a move to Europe.

"I don't have to go into details of why I make decisions," Vieira said.