Patrick Vieira has stepped down as Genoa’s head coach by mutual agreement, ending an 11-month spell marked by early promise and a steep decline. The club confirmed the Frenchman’s departure in a brief statement on Saturday, saying he “was no longer the coach of the first team.”
Vieira’s exit comes with Genoa rooted to the bottom of Serie A, without a single league win this season. Sources close to the former Arsenal captain said he initiated talks with the club’s hierarchy on Friday night, leading to a consensual parting of ways.
Appointed in November 2024 with the team in 17th place, Vieira had initially steadied the ship. His side collected eight wins and nine draws in 26 matches last season, climbing to a respectable 13th and ensuring survival. But that momentum evaporated over the summer. Genoa have lost six of their nine league fixtures so far, five of them in the past six games, with their only victories coming in the Coppa Italia.
“The club would like to thank the coach and his staff for their dedication and professionalism and wishes them all the best for their future careers,” the statement added.
As a player, Vieira was one of the defining midfielders of his generation, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, along with trophies at AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City. He lifted the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000 with France.
Since retiring in 2011, Vieira has held managerial roles with New York City FC, Nice and Crystal Palace, where he led the team to an FA Cup semi-final. His most recent European job was at Strasbourg, departing last July shortly before taking charge in Genoa. His next move remains uncertain.
