The former Arsenal and France midfielder was appointed on November 20, 2024, and steered Genoa to a solid 13th-place finish in the 2024-25 campaign, accumulating 43 points from a record of 10 wins, 13 draws, and 15 defeats.
However, the current term has been a stark contrast, with Genoa earning no victories in their opening nine league fixtures, six losses and three draws, marking their worst-ever start to a Serie A season.
Genoa’s limited highlights under Vieira this season have been confined to the Coppa Italia, where they secured two victories. The dire league results ultimately proved too much for the board, prompting the club to confirm his dismissal over the weekend, just before their away trip to face Sassuolo on Monday.
In an official statement, Genoa said: “Genoa 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 their dedication and professionalism throughout their work and wishes them all the best for their future careers.”
The club has installed Roberto Murgita as interim head coach, with assistance from club legend Domenico Criscito, as they continue the hunt for a long-term successor.
Vieira’s exit adds to a turbulent managerial path. Following successful stints at New York City FC (2016-2018) and Nice (2018-2020), he led Crystal Palace for nearly two years before his dismissal in March 2023. He then took charge of Strasbourg in July 2023, departing after a 16-month tenure in July 2024, prior to his arrival at Genoa.
With Genoa’s hierarchy facing mounting pressure to arrest the slide and evade a potential relegation scrap, the upcoming Serie A showdown at Sassuolo will be pivotal in kickstarting any turnaround.
