Former Arsenal midfielder could be Mario Balotelli's new manager after leaving Todd Boehly

Former Arsenal midfielder and former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is closing in on a deal to become the next manager of Italian club Genoa, according to a report in the Daily Mail. Vieira left Crystal Palace almost two seasons ago after leading the team to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League and reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

However, he was sacked the following season during a three-game winless run that left the Eagles just three points above the relegation zone. Some viewed the sacking as harsh at the time, but Palace chairman Steve Parish explained that he couldn’t take the risk of keeping a manager without the experience to navigate a relegation battle.

Parish said at the time: “For the record, I think we’d have been alright under Patrick, but I can’t take that risk. I need to be sure for the future of the football club. It doesn’t entirely rely on us staying in the league, but it’s much easier if we are to increase the capacity [of Selhurst Park] by about 10,000. Filling that, selling that, and paying for it is much easier if we are in the Premier League. My margin of safety probably has to be greater than is entirely fair for a manager. In that moment, it is about the club.”

The Strasbourg job

After leaving Palace, Vieira took a job with BlueCo, where he managed Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, but left the role after just one season, similar to Mauricio Pochettino, as the Todd Boehly-led franchise shifted its focus at both clubs. His departure that summer was a big surprise to those following Ligue 1, as Strasbourg finished 13th in the French league table.

Reunited with Mario Balotelli

If Vieira lands the Genoa job, he could be reunited with his former Manchester City teammate Mario Balotelli. Vieira also managed the Italian striker at OGC Nice, though their relationship was not the best due to Balotelli's behaviour while at the club.

In 2018, there was a falling out between the two when Balotelli appeared out of shape after turning up late to Vieira's first training session. Balotelli made just 10 appearances under Vieira before his contract was terminated.