Patrick Vieira has returned to management as head coach of Serie A club Genoa, replacing Alberto Gilardino following a poor start to the season.
Gilardino was dismissed after securing just two wins and 10 points from Genoa’s first 12 matches, leaving the club precariously positioned one point above the relegation zone.
Vieira steps in with the immediate task of stabilising the team, who currently sit 17th in the Serie A standings.
This marks Vieira’s fifth managerial role since retiring as a player in 2011.
The former Arsenal captain began his coaching career with Manchester City’s academy before managing New York City FC in Major League Soccer..
He later moved to Nice in Ligue 1 and returned to England to take charge of Crystal Palace, leading them to an FA Cup semi-final in 2022 before being sacked in March 2023 after a 12-match winless streak.
Most recently, he spent one season with Strasbourg in Ligue 1, guiding them to a 13th-place finish before stepping down in July.
Genoa announced Vieira’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience across Europe and the United States. He will lead his first training session at Villa Rostan later in the afternoon.
Vieira’s arrival at Genoa not only aims to rejuvenate their fortunes but also sets the stage for an intriguing reunion with Mario Balotelli, whose time under Vieira at Nice was marked by disagreements over his role and work ethic.
The former Arsenal player has been candid about the challenges of managing Balotelli, describing the forward’s individualistic mindset as incompatible with his emphasis on teamwork and collective effort.
Balotelli has acknowledged their differing football philosophies but described their personal relationship as amicable in comments to SO Foot.
Despite these past tensions, the pair are set to reunite at Genoa, where Balotelli will look to prove his worth under Vieira’s guidance.
However, Vieira’s primary focus will be on improving Genoa’s performances and ensuring their survival in Serie A.
The appointment represents another significant chapter in Vieira’s coaching career as he aims to rebuild his managerial reputation and steer Genoa to safety.
