Genoa mathematically secured their Serie A survival in the previous matchday, a feat achieved amidst considerable difficulty. Navigating through injuries and club issues, Patrick Vieira successfully guided Genoa to a safe position with four games still remaining in the season.
“I never had any doubts about survival,” Vieira stated during a press conference. “If I had doubts, I wouldn`t be here. I`ve always had faith in this group, and I`ve congratulated the players on their attitude; they worked with pride and determination. The staff helped the players maximize their opportunities, and I am pleased with their work and the support they provided. They brought the stability that allowed us to achieve our desired result. However, now the responsibility rests entirely on my shoulders because the fans, the club, and the president deserve for us to finish the league campaign strongly.”
This commitment is particularly significant considering Genoa`s challenging remaining fixtures: starting Monday against Milan, followed by Napoli, Atalanta, and Bologna. “What I don`t want to see on Monday is the group giving up,” Vieira emphasized. “Because this group has never given up, and I will not accept them letting up in these final matches, which are all big games to play. We will remain focused on this; we want to win.”
Unfortunately, against Milan, Vieira will still be without several players who were already unavailable in the previous match against Como. “There will be no returns except for Otoa, who is back from suspension,” he confirmed. “As for Cornet, Onana, Ekuban, Malinovskyi, and Cuenca, I hope that some of them might manage to return to the field before the end of the championship.”
Consequently, there will continue to be opportunities for younger players, even against a formidable opponent like Milan. “Milan? When I look at the offensive and individual quality they possess, I expect a Milan team determined to secure a place in Europe and win their remaining games. I think they will come here specifically to win for that reason,” Vieira concluded.