Vieira silences question on Balotelli: ‘We are all important’ | OneFootball

Mario Balotelli spent the entire match between Lecce and Genoa on the bench today, and Patrick Vieira didn’t seem to enjoy the questions about the Italian striker: ‘Everyone’s important.’

The Grifone earned a point at the Via del Mare today, seeing Balotelli remain on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

“I am satisfied with the point we earned against a good team today,” Vieira told DAZN via TMW.

“We were solid, united and organised. I think we deserved a draw because Lecce didn’t create much despite keeping possession for longer. Both teams moved the ball, but it’s a deserved point in the end, given our unity.

Vieira silences question on Balotelli: ‘We are all important’

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Patrick Vieira, Head Coach of Genoa looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Mario is an important player, like Sabelli and Vogliacco, who were not introduced,” said the former midfielder when asked to explain Balotelli’s omission.

“We have other players on the bench. We are a team, and we are all important. I made this decision today; tomorrow, it may change. The club and the team are the most important things. If we understand this, we’ll be doing important things like today.”

Balotelli joined Genoa at the end of October but has only made six appearances, collecting 56 minutes of football.