Genoa have sacked Patrick Vieira after one year in charge of the Italian team, with Mario Balotelli appearing to punish the former manager of the bottom of the Serie A team.
Mario Balotelli has criticized Patrick Vieira after the former Arsenal midfielder was sacked as Genoa manager. Vieira will leave after less than a year with the team at the bottom of Serie A.
Balotelli and Vieira have had a controversial relationship with the Italian, who played under the French manager at Nice and joined Genoa just a month before taking over. Alberto Gilardino oversaw Balotelli’s signing but was soon sacked in favor of the World Cup winner.
During their time together in France, Vieira suggested that Balotelli’s mindset was “not team sport-oriented” and that “he’s very difficult to work with.” The former Manchester City striker barely featured under Vieira before leaving Genoa at the end of last season.
And after Vieira’s sacking, Balotelli wasted little time expressing his views on the Serie A side’s decision. “Karma sucks,” he posted on Instagram.
“God sees everything and takes care of the rest. Now Genoa can finally focus on the environment, the supporters, the people who really love the badge and who deeply believe that Genoa deserves to be at the top.”
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“The great work that Gilardino and Zangrillo accomplished was not in vain. What they built with tenacity, respect and passion, their successors simply exploited in a selfish and dishonest way.”
“They exploited the enormous work of Gilardino and Zangrillo, their dedication and dedication to these colors, without really understanding its value.”
Genoa announced the news on Saturday that the team is at the bottom of Serie A and without a win all season. Vieira had just signed a new contract with the Italian team in the summer after being linked with former club Inter Milan.
“Genoa CFC is pleased to announce that Patrick Vieira is no longer the first team coach,” Genoa said in a statement.
“The club would like to thank our coaches and staff for the dedication and professionalism they have shown throughout their work and wish them all the best in their future careers.
“The technical leadership of the first team has been entrusted to Roberto Murguita on an interim basis, assisted by Domenico Criscito,” they added. Genoa’s next game is away to Sassuolo on Monday.
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