A photo of handouts available to Genoa CFC, new head coach Patrick Vieira (R), during his first training session with the Italian team on November 20, 2024. EPA-EFE/GENOA CFC Press Office
Mario Balotelli launched the scathing Tirado with Genoa, particularly director Patrick Vieira. “He was pretty much afraid of me. If I scored a goal, he was forced to play me. He just wants to be the center of attention, or I’m on his nerves.”
The striker joined Genoa as a free agent in October 2024, but the tactician who wanted him there – Alberto Guilladino, was fired a few weeks later.
That means Vieira took over at Marasi, and the pair already had history as teammates at Inter and Manchester City, and as coaches at OGC Nice.
Balotelli made just six appearances for Genoa, all of which were off the bench and then completely frozen.
Balotelli blames Vieira for breakdown in Genoa
“When he arrived, he asked how I was and asked about the team, which seemed to be good intentions, but he wore me for just a few minutes in the first few games,” Balotelli told the Centrocampo Podcast via Tuttomercatoweb.
“So I went to him and asked if there was any issues. I wasn’t asking to play 90 minutes, but he was using me for two or four minutes at a time. Then he took me to the rek and I had a free kick in the 86th minute and he didn’t call me.
“He was sure there was no problem, but he liked to wear a running player. It started with the natural Andrea Pinamonty and worked hard to defend, but I’m not right to play for two minutes. I’m sure I can solve some games. I don’t think he liked me.
Balotelli continued his rant, claiming that the Genoa director had not supported Vieira’s arrival and a sudden change in property.
“The club didn’t have a ball to say anything. I always looked for the real reason behind this. I wrote him a long message one day, and eventually I published it.
“The club said they feared that Vieira was afraid I would barely accept my playing time. That’s trash. I’m acknowledging that I’ll get your boobs! We had two arguments.
“Training with the squad may raise your level. The situation isn’t too extreme and I can’t run because of his soccer style. I was thinking about leaving in December and wanted to see this.”
Balotelli has produced several Instagram messages accusing Genoa of lack of respect, reiterating his belief in the podcast’s interview.
“The people I dealt with in Genoa didn’t think it was very rude on the human level alone. Now I was hoping they would never talk to me again for the rest of my life.
All the accusations point Vieira directly towards the side due to the failure of this experience with Rossobble.
“I played four minutes with Napoli and almost scored a goal. Vieira felt like he was almost afraid of me. If he scored he had to play me. He wanted to be Genoa’s savior.
“I felt really disappointed in every respect, but when we played together I had no issues with Vieira. I played regularly. Sometimes he said I needed to get me down and run more, but did I score a lot of goals?
“He couldn’t accept this, I would give him advice and he could listen rather than tell me to get lost. It’s a desire to be the main character in my view, and he wants to be the center of attention. I can’t see any other reason.
Balotelli is now a free agent after his contract with Genoa expired.
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