"Every player is important." Patrick Vieira avoids direct answer about Balotelli

Controversial forward Mario Balotelli spent the entirety of Genoa's match against Lecce (0:0) on the bench. Head coach Patrick Vieira seemed less than enthusiastic about questions regarding the Italian striker, sidestepping a direct explanation for his lack of playing time.

Quote: "Mario is an important player, just like Sabelli and Vogliacco, who were not featured in today’s game.

We have other players on the bench. We are a team, and everyone is important. I made this decision today; tomorrow it could change. The club and the team are the most important things. If we understand that, we will achieve important things like we did today," said the coach after the match.

Background: Balotelli joined Genoa in late October but has only featured in six matches, spending a total of 56 minutes on the pitch.

Earlier reports suggested that the Italian forward might leave Genoa just two months after signing and continue his career in an exotic league.