Patrick Vieira has officially been introduced as the new head coach of Genoa, taking over from Alberto Gilardino. In a press conference held at the Centro Sportivo Signorini, Vieira expressed his excitement about joining the club and the challenges that lie ahead, particularly with an upcoming match against Cagliari.
Reflecting on his swift decision to join Genoa, Vieira stated, “It was a very quick negotiation between me and the club. When I heard there was a possibility to come to a great club, I couldn’t say no. There’s a moment of difficulty, but a desire to do well.” He acknowledged the strong bond the team had with Gilardino, saying, “It’s not easy for the group to lose a coach with whom they had a great relationship; he was a great player and did great things.”
Vieira also shared his thoughts on returning to Italian football, noting, “It has changed like all leagues; Serie A has always been a difficult league. However, I believe we have the quality to do well; we need to work hard.”
When asked about Mario Balotelli, his former teammate and player at Nice, Vieira remarked, “I know him well; he is a person and a player I have always liked. He is an important player who knows how to score. He must continue to work well for the good of Genoa as he has done in recent weeks.”
Discussing his first experience as a replacement coach, Vieira emphasized the importance of continuity in staff: “I found a staff that has worked hard; I must consider what they have done. You cannot change everything.” He mentioned that tactically he prefers formations between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 but stressed that “the important thing is the spirit of the game.”
Vieira highlighted the need to rebuild confidence within the squad due to recent results: “We need to work on trust because the group lacks confidence due to results. We must bring back energy; it’s a group with quality that will be stronger when all players are available.”
Addressing the fans’ sentiments following Gilardino’s departure, Vieira acknowledged their attachment: “The fans’ perspective will never change; Gilardino was very important for the team and city. This will never change.” He expressed his eagerness for Sunday’s match, stating, “The strong point of the club is the public; playing at home must be our strength. I can’t wait to experience this moment.”
On his relationship with the club’s management, Vieira noted, “It was important for me to have a good relationship with the club and director. The idea of what they wanted to do was clear, and I felt comfortable both humanly and in terms of clarity about what needed to be done.”
Looking ahead to the match against Cagliari, Vieira said, “There is a staff that has worked in recent weeks on our next opponent. They are a team that likes to play forward; they have quality players in attack.” He reflected on his past experiences at Stadio Ferraris as an opponent: “When I arrived at Milan as an eighteen-year-old, my goal was to become a footballer. I had the fortune of working with Capello and playing alongside important players from whom I learned the culture of work.”
As he prepares for his debut as head coach, Vieira concluded by emphasizing his readiness: “I feel ready for this challenge with Genoa,” highlighting his commitment to fostering a competitive environment that mirrors the passion of their supporters.
