Patrick Vieira lands new manager job but set for awkward reunion with former team-mate he found ‘difficult to work with’

ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira has landed a new job with Italian side Genoa just four months after leaving Strasbourg.

The Gunners icon and former Crystal Palace boss, 48, spent just one year at Chelsea’s sister club in France.

But Vieira is now returning to the beautiful game with Serie A strugglers Genoa.

They are 17th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, after only winning two matches all season.

Former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino is set to be shown the door after nearly two years at the helm.

And Vieira has agreed to replace him with immediate effect.

Genoa’s squad is packed with talent including veteran Brazilian winger Junior Messias, Ukrainian playmaker Ruslan Malinovskyi and Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj.

Prime aces such as Portuguese striker Vitinha and Danish anchorman Morten Frendrup still have plenty of years in the tank.

While kids including Juventus loanee Fabio Miretti and ex-Arsenal defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy can provide some much-needed energy.

But there is one star name Vieira will recognise straight away.

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Mario Balotelli, 34, only joined Genoa on a free transfer three weeks ago and is yet to score in two games.

The infamous forward played alongside Vieira at Manchester City for one year during the 2010/11 campaign.

Balotelli then found himself under the Frenchman’s management at Nice in 2018.

He reportedly turned up late to Vieira’s very first training session.

And after failing to score in 10 appearances, Balotelli’s contract was terminated midway through the season.

Vieira said at the time: “When it comes to Mario, I want to answer back, or just slam him up against the wall, or leave him hanging by his collar on the coat rack.

“But I can’t, as I’m no longer a player.”

Vieira has since opened up on his relationship with Balotelli.

He said in 2020: “Mario’s mindset was difficult for a collective sport.

“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.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk