Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko has taken to Twitter to confirm that he will take over the managerial reins at Genoa in the wake of Davide Ballardini’s sacking. Rumors about Shevchenko’s return to Serie A have been spreading around, but it seems there’s no longer a doubt.
— Andriy Shevchenko (@jksheva7) November 7, 2021
Genoa have experienced a dreadful start to the new domestic season, picking up just one victory from their opening 12 Serie A games. Ballardini was relieved of his duties on Saturday, a day after guiding his side to an underwhelming 2-2 draw with newly-promoted Empoli. That stalemate is, in fact, a part of Genoa’s nine-match winless streak in Italy’s top-flight.
After reeling off a series of lackluster performances, the Grifone have slid to the relegation territory, albeit they are level on points with 17th-placed Sampdoria. Though it’s been only 12 rounds of fixtures this season, Genoa’s hopes of ensuring their first top-half finish since 2014/15 look far-fetched.
The club hierarchy realized the changes are required if the Rossoblu are to avoid a season-long dogfight against the drop. The first step towards sparking Genoa’s resurrection was the sacking of Ballardini. As it stands, it will be up to Shevchenko to spearhead the club’s efforts to climb up the ladders.
Shevchenko, who is expected to put pen to paper on a two-year deal, should make his managerial debut against Jose Mourinho’s Roma on November 21. The 45-year-old has yet to ply his trade as a club manager, but he has enjoyed a decent amount of success with the Ukrainian national team.
Shevchenko was in charge of Ukraine for five years, helping them reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals. He decided to call time on his adventure at the national team following their Euro 2020 elimination at the hands of Sweden. During his time in The Team dugout, the former Milan striker registered 25 wins from 52 internationals (D13, L14), with his side averaging 1.36 goals per match under his stewardship.