Patrick Vieira has been named the head coach of Genoa, marking his fourth reunion with Mario Balotelli following their previous issues at Nice.

**Patrick Vieira Returns to Management as Head Coach of Genoa**

In a significant development in the world of football, Patrick Vieira has made his much-anticipated return to management, taking the helm at Serie A club Genoa. The former Arsenal midfielder steps in to replace Alberto Gilardino, who was dismissed following a disappointing start to the season.

Genoa’s struggles have been evident, with the team managing to secure only 10 points from their first 12 league matches. This poor performance has left them precariously positioned just a point above the relegation zone. The club’s decision to part ways with Gilardino reflects the urgency to turn their fortunes around as they aim to avoid a relegation battle.

Vieira, who has been out of work since leaving Strasbourg in July, now faces the challenge of revitalising a struggling side. His appointment also marks a reunion with former Manchester City and Inter Milan teammate Mario Balotelli, who joined Genoa as a free agent last month. This partnership is particularly intriguing, given their history during Vieira’s tenure at Nice, where their relationship was reportedly fraught with tension.

Balotelli has previously expressed mixed feelings about his time under Vieira, stating, “I lived in Villefranche, and it was crazy. I was smiling every day, I went to the sea every day. It was a dream life. The problem was that the way Vieira played didn’t really suit me. I got along well with him, but on sporting matters, I didn’t agree. If I hadn’t had these problems with him, I would never have left Nice.”

In response, Vieira acknowledged the difficulties of managing a player like Balotelli, noting, “The philosophy I wanted to put in place, the togetherness and work ethic I wanted to build, it was difficult for me to work with a player like Mario. It was really difficult for both of us to work together, so we decided to go different ways.”

Vieira’s managerial journey began in 2016 with New York City FC, and he has since taken charge of several clubs, including Nice and Crystal Palace, where he led the Eagles to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2022. His brief stint at Strasbourg lasted just one season, but now he has the opportunity to make his mark in Italy’s top flight.

As Vieira embarks on this new chapter with Genoa, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead. In particular, fostering a productive relationship with Balotelli and steering the club away from the relegation zone will be crucial. The coming weeks will be vital for both the manager and the team as they seek to turn their season around.