Vieira: “I don’t have the pretension to be like Wenger, Lippi, and Capello”

Patrick Vieira, the newly appointed manager of Genoa, recently addressed the media ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Torino. In his press conference, Vieira discussed the team’s recent performance, his expectations for the future, and his approach to managing the squad.

Vieira began by acknowledging the team’s recent success, stating, “Four points in two games is good, but I think in these two matches we’ve played well in terms of gameplay, but there’s still a lot of work to do.” He emphasized that despite the positive results, he hasn’t changed his approach to training, maintaining a high level of intensity in practice sessions.

When asked about the upcoming match against Torino, Vieira recognized the challenge ahead. “They’re a team that’s been struggling in recent matches, but they have strong and quality players,” he noted. He expressed hope that Genoa’s recent positive momentum, combined with strong fan support, would lead to a good performance.

Addressing Genoa’s lack of home wins this season, Vieira stressed the importance of focusing on the positives. “We need to concentrate on how well we’ve done so far. The team is growing, now we need to continue to do well,” he said. He acknowledged the need to do more to secure a home victory but cautioned against dwelling solely on negative aspects.

Vieira also discussed his evolving relationship with the squad, noting that he’s getting to know the players better each week. He praised the team’s desire to work together and win, highlighting the positive competition for starting positions as players return from injuries.

When asked about potential areas for improvement, Vieira was candid. “Not everything is going well yet,” he admitted. “There are still many things to improve. We can do better in possession of the ball and also from a defensive point of view.” He emphasized his desire to see continuous progress from the team.

Regarding tactical decisions for the upcoming match, Vieira mentioned that he’s still considering his options, particularly in light of Vasquez’s absence. He praised both Vogliacco and Matturro as potential replacements, noting that he would make a final decision after the next training session.

Vieira also addressed questions about his coaching style and influences from former managers like Wenger, Lippi, and Capello. He humbly stated, “I don’t have the pretension to be like Wenger, Lippi, and Capello. They are great coaches. I’ve been fortunate to be coached by important managers, I’ve learned a lot from them, but it’s also important to understand who I am as a person and how the team plays.”

In closing, Vieira deflected questions about the club’s financial situation and potential January transfers, emphasizing his focus on on-field matters. “I know as much as you do. I hear many things, but my focus is only on the field,” he said, reiterating his commitment to working with the players to win matches.