Capello: Vieira ‘comes from Arsenal and Wenger’s school’ but needs one thing at Genoa | OneFootball

Fabio Capello warns his former player Patrick Vieira that he’ll need immediate results at Genoa even if he comes from the ‘school’ of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.

Genoa confirmed Vieira’s appointment as their new head coach with a statement on Wednesday morning.

The Grifone are fighting for Serie A survival but have collected four points in the last two league matches.

“Nothing surprises me anymore,” Capello told Gazzetta.

“Gila did great things last year and was seemingly bouncing back after a troubled start amid big sales and injuries. The timing, in particular, leaves me perplexed.”

Capello: Vieira ‘comes from Arsenal and Wenger’s school’ but needs one thing at Genoa

Crystal Palace’s manager Patrick Vieira reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace in Manchester, Britain, 04 February 2023. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN

Genoa sacked Gilardino on Tuesday, just five days before a crucial Serie A match against direct rivals Cagliari.

A former Serie A midfielder for Milan, Juventus and Inter, Vieira played 47 games under Capello, first with the Rossoneri and then with the Bianconeri.

“It’s a guy I knew when he was very young in Milan, and we reunited at Juventus [ten years later] when he was a well-known champion. He’s always been intelligent and polite,” said the ex-Italian coach.

“I demanded his signing in 2005 [at Juventus] to create a super midfield partnership with Emerson.

“I met Vieira while he was on the Crystal Palace bench. He did well in the first season,” continued Capello.

“He comes from the Arsene Wenger and Arsenal’s school. That’s his idea of football.”

Nevertheless, with the Grifone just one point above the relegation zone, Capello believes Vieira will need to be practical, especially in the first few weeks in charge.

“When you join a new club midseason, the advice is to avoid confusion in the players’ minds, at least at the beginning. Given the Rossoblu’s situation, he should get results right away,” said the ex-England coach.

Mario Balotelli and Vieira were not on good terms at Nice a few years ago, but Capello feels they can overcome disagreements.

“Balotelli has always loved moving with the ball at his feet, but not much when he had to do the same collectively. At this level in football, there is always time to make peace,” he concluded.