In a surprising turn of events, Genoa have decided to part ways with head coach Alberto Gilardino. The Italian club has swiftly moved to appoint former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as their new manager.
Calciomercato report how this unexpected decision comes at a crucial moment for Genoa, who currently find themselves precariously positioned just one point above the Serie A relegation zone. With only 10 points from their opening 12 games, the club’s management has opted for a change in leadership to steer the team away from the threat of relegation.
Vieira, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. His managerial career has seen him lead teams such as New York City FC, OGC Nice, Crystal Palace, and most recently, Strasbourg. This appointment marks Vieira’s first venture into Italian football management, adding an intriguing dimension to his coaching journey.
The arrival of Vieira at Genoa sets up an interesting reunion with Mario Balotelli, one of the club’s high-profile players. The two have a history together, having been teammates at Manchester City during the 2010-11 season. However, their relationship has been known to be complex, with Vieira once stating that Balotelli was “not suited to team sports” during their time at Manchester City.
Their previous encounter in a manager-player capacity at Nice was also reportedly strained, with Balotelli claiming he left the club solely because of Vieira, citing disagreements over playing style. This existing dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue to Vieira’s appointment and could potentially impact the team’s dynamics moving forward.
As Vieira prepares to take the reins at Genoa, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead, both in terms of improving the team’s league position and managing the personalities within the squad.
