Genoa is preparing to face Juventus. This Saturday at 6 PM, the Rossoblu will play against Igor Tudor`s Bianconeri at the Allianz Stadium to resume their league campaign. Coach Patrick Vieira spoke at a press conference ahead of the match.
Coach, you are restarting against Juventus: what kind of match do you expect?
`We expect a difficult match due to Juve`s quality. It won`t be easy to play against them. It will also be a difficult game because a change of coach brings energy. I believe that against big clubs, we have always managed to compete.`
TMW – Tudor asked for lightheartedness from his players, what Genoa will we see tomorrow?
`We are a team that wants to confirm what we have done in recent weeks. There are many positive aspects from the last home game. I really liked our approach, and now we need to continue.`
What advantage could this change bring to Genoa?
`It won`t be an easy match. We didn`t think about before. It wouldn`t have been easy to face Juve with Motta anyway. Playing against Juve is never easy. Then, when there is a change of coach in big teams like that, there are always reactions from the players. Juve will be a team with energy, and we will be ready to face them with the will to win the game.`
Are there any recoveries for tomorrow`s match?
`Ekuban and Vitinha have worked with the team, we need to wait until tomorrow to see if they can be part of the group. Caleb, I think, will be okay. Thorsby will be part of the group.`
How is Miretti?
`Miretti has always been fine.`
Martin will be out due to suspension. Could Matturro play in that position?
`It`s an option we tried this week. Matturro won the U20 World Cup playing as a left-back, which means he has experience in that position. He feels more comfortable in the center. We have tried different options, and we will see. Losing Aaron is not easy, he is a very important player for us. But when a player is injured or suspended, there is an opportunity for another player.`
Could Onana have more space?
`He is growing. When a player arrives, like him, during the season, it takes a little more time. He did well when he came on, he had a good week of work, but all the midfielders are working very well. I like it when there is competition with everyone giving their best to play and everyone puts me in difficulty.`
You have always conveyed calmness to the environment. What is your personal assessment at Genoa? And are you already preparing for the future, considering Blazquez`s kind words about you yesterday?
`I am happy with how the players are working on the field and with everything around the team. I see the physiotherapists, my staff, all very focused, as well as the guys who are very committed with the desire to compete and do their best for the club. When you see all these people around you like this, it gives you peace of mind. Then in football, you can lose or win, but we have a spirit of sacrifice and work. To win even more, we need to do better on the details. We have done well and taken points, but we have not yet reached our goal, which is to stay in Serie A. We have taken a step forward, but we are not finished yet. Until we are mathematically safe, it is not the time to talk about the future. The only thing I say is that I am very happy with the club and how I am here.`
How did Malinovskyi react to the effort?
`He is fine, ready to compete and play. In recent months, he has done a great job, his quality has been seen when he has played. He is a player who can bring a lot to the team.`
Do you perhaps lack a win against a big team?
`Yes, but the positive thing is that against the big teams, we have managed to compete.`
Tomorrow you will play with the Boca Juniors jersey.
`It is very important for the club to play with the Boca Juniors jersey. It is a very important club, it will be an important day for the fans and for the club.`