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Arsenal must keep faith in Wenger - Vieira

Patrick Vieira believes Manchester City can win the Premier league this year © Getty Images

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Patrick Vieira admits his former club Arsenal are going through a 'very difficult' period, but believes they must stick with manager Arsene Wenger if they are to rediscover former glories.

The Gunners are set to see captain Cesc Fabregas make the move to boyhood club Barcelona this week, an exit that has led to widespread unrest at Emirates Stadium.

An underwhelming 0-0 draw against Newcastle in the opening game of the Premier League season has not helped matters, but Vieira insists his former mentor is still the best man for the job.

"There has been a big change at the club since I left," Vieira told The Telegraph. "It is a difficult time for Arsenal. I think it will be very difficult for them, losing big players, but they have to keep faith with Arsene.

"He has shown that he has what it takes to challenge for the title."

One of those players set to leave Arsenal, Samir Nasri, could well join Manchester City before the close of the transfer window - potentially joining full-back Gael Clichy in making the move up north. With or without the France international, however, Vieira believes Roberto Mancini's side have progressed during pre-season and are now definitely capable of winning the Premier League.

"I think where the team has grown up is in its self-belief. Winning the FA Cup and finishing third showed us we can do it," he said. The belief is higher than last year. Having players like Clichy, [Sergio] Aguero and [Stefan] Savic come in shows that we have gone one step higher again. This is what makes us believe that we can win the league. The way we finished last year was unbelievable and I think we are just going to get better and better."

Having retired in the summer, Vieira admits he harbours ambitions as a manager - but believes his current executive role at the Etihad Stadium will prove a better preparation for a future career in the dugout than if he had taken a job as soon as he had hung up his boots.

"I think it is a mistake to go straight into management," he said. "It sometimes can work for one or two years but in the long term it will be difficult. You have to go step by step. There is a process to follow and I will take my time doing that.

"It is completely new to me. I'm working with different departments. I have worked with the community department and the sponsorship department, seeing how they do commercial deals. I also work with the academy, the first-team squad and I will go and look at players that the club are interested in and give my opinions. It is a fantastic opportunity for me."

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