Patrick Vieira has been sacked by Genoa after a 2-0 home defeat to Cremonese, with the legendary Arsenal captain’s side now bottom of Serie A
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has been sacked by Genoa following his side’s alarming slide down the Serie A standings.
The France midfield icon’s final match in charge saw his team suffer a 2-0 home defeat to newly-promoted Cremonese, leaving the Rossoblu rooted to the bottom of the table. Federico Bonazzoli, who partners Jamie Vardy up front, netted both goals in Cremonese’s victory on Wednesday, piling pressure on the Gunners great.
The defeat extended Vieira’s winless streak to nine matches at the start of the new campaign and in a post match interview he lost his cool with a reporter. In an official statement, the club said: “Genoa CFC announces that Patrick Vieira is no longer the coach of the first team.
“The club would like to thank the coach and his staff for the dedication and professionalism they have shown throughout their work and wishes them all the best for their future careers.
“The technical leadership of the first team has been entrusted on an interim basis to Mister Roberto Murgita, assisted by Mister Domenico Criscito.
Vieira had penned fresh terms with the Italian outfit during the summer despite being linked with former club Inter Milan. Simone Inzaghi departed Inter for Al-Hilal over the summer but was ultimately succeeded by Vieira’s ex-San Siro colleague Christian Chivu, reports the Mirror.
Genoa began the season positively with a commanding 3-0 triumph over third-tier Vicenza in the Coppa Italia, also overcoming Serie B outfit Empoli in the second round, but have been unable to translate those cup successes into league points.
They’ve managed only three draws and suffered six defeats from their nine matches, whilst their tally of just four goals scored represents the joint-poorest attacking record in the division.
Supporters voiced their frustration following the Cremonese loss, with Vieira being questioned about his position immediately after the match and ranting at a journalist. “You ask me a question like this after a match? I understand it is your job, but this question makes no sense to me,” he responded, as translated by Football Italia.
“My worry is to try to find a way to win games. This is a difficult moment for all of us, and we must accept the criticism that comes our way. For the rest, we’ll see. Replying to this question now is not my style.”
The 49-year-old assumed control at Genoa in November 2024 following Alberto Gilardino’s departure, with the club languishing in 17th position. He orchestrated a turnaround during the latter half of the campaign, achieving a respectable mid-table placement and earning a notable late-season draw away to title-contenders Napoli.
Before this appointment, the World Cup winner guided Strasbourg to 13th place in Ligue 1 during his sole complete season in Alsace. He also managed Premier League club Crystal Palace for over a year, securing 12th position in his full campaign whilst bringing fellow Frenchmen Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise to Selhurst Park.
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