In a dramatic turn of events, former Arsenal and France midfield maestro Patrick Vieira has been relieved of his duties as Genoa manager after a mere three months at the helm.
The Italian club confirmed the shocking departure on Monday following an emergency board meeting, with the team sitting just three points above the relegation zone in Italy's second tier.
Disastrous Start Seals Vieira's Fate
Vieira's brief tenure yielded just two victories from eleven matches, leaving Genoa in 17th position with a meagre 10 points. The final straw appeared to be Saturday's disappointing 1-1 draw against bottom-placed Cosenza, a match where Genoa squandered numerous opportunities to secure victory.
The statistics make for grim reading:
- Only 2 wins from 11 games in charge
- 17th position in Serie B table
- Just 3 points clear of relegation zone
- Failure to capitalise against league's weakest teams
From Premier League Pedigree to Italian Disappointment
The 46-year-old World Cup winner arrived at Genoa with considerable pedigree, having previously managed Crystal Palace, Nice, and New York City FC. His appointment in June was seen as a coup for the recently-relegated club, but the anticipated revival never materialised.
Vieira's coaching career now faces serious questions after this abrupt dismissal. His previous stint at Crystal Palace ended similarly when he was sacked in March 2023 following a 12-match winless run in the Premier League.
What Next for Genoa and Vieira?
Genoa have moved swiftly to appoint Alberto Gilardino as Vieira's replacement, hoping the former Italy striker can steer the club away from the relegation battle and back towards promotion contention.
For Vieira, this represents another setback in a managerial career that promised much after his successful playing days. Where the Frenchman goes next remains uncertain, but this experience in Italy will undoubtedly leave scars on his coaching credentials.
The speed of Vieira's dismissal highlights the cut-throat nature of football management, particularly in Italy, where patience is often in short supply and results are demanded immediately.
