Tag: Patrick Vieira

Former France and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira has been  named as the new coach of relegation-threatened Serie A club Genoa.

 “Genoa CFC announces that Patrick Vieira has been entrusted with the technical management of the first team,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday .“The new coach will direct the first training session this afternoon after the formalisation of the contract at the Villa Rostan headquarters.”

The 48-year-old replaces Alberto Gilardino who was sacked on Tuesday with the club 17th in the table, just one point clear of the relegation zone.

Read Also: NFF launches monthly Football Awards today

Vieira, a 1998 World Cup winner with France, spent the bulk of his playing career with Arsenal driving them to three Premier League titles and two Doubles.

He later went on to play for Juventus and Inter Milan, where he won four Serie A titles, before closing his on-field career with Manchester City.

His management career has taken him to New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace and his last job at Strasbourg which he left “by mutual agreement” in July.

Genoa have parted ways with coach Alberto Gilardino, the Serie A club  has announced with Sky Sport Italia saying they will appoint former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.

Appointed in July 2022, Gilardino led the team to direct promotion to Serie A in 2023 but departs following a lacklustre start to the current season.

Genoa have 10 points from the first 12 games of the campaign and are hovering above the relegation zone in 17th place.

“The club thanks mister Gilardino for the goals achieved together over the years and wishes him the best for his career,” the club said in a statement.

Read Also: I want to give players confidence, Eguavoen backs Boniface

Vieira parted ways with French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in July, having previously managed Premier League club Crystal Palace. If confirmed, he would take charge of Italy’s oldest active football team, established in 1893.

The Frenchman began his managerial career with Manchester City’s under-23 team from 2013-2015, before he took over at MLS side New York City. He then spent two-and-a-half years at Ligue 1 side Nice before moving to Palace.

Vieira would also reunite with new signing Mario Balotelli, having coached the Italian striker for 10 matches when they were both at Nice in the 2018-19 season.