20.20 – Home defeat for Genoa who were stopped at “Ferraris” by Antonio Conte's Napoli 2-1. At the end of the match against the Azzurri, the rossoblù coach Patrick Vieira will speak at the press conference. Follow the live text on TUTTOmercatoWEB.com.
20.42 – Patrick Vieira's press conference begins.
Are you angry about your Genoa's first half?
“It was a first half where we didn't play the way we wanted to play. But I think the quality of the opponent also put the team in difficulty. In the second half we were more aggressive, we improved and I think the team deserved the point. I feel sorry for the players.”
Did Balotelli try hard?
“Mario did well, Thorsby and Norton-Cuffy did well. Whoever came in brought energy.”
Continued growth with change of ownership?
“Having a new owner will bring stability to the club but the important thing is to think about these matches which are important for us. There will be time to think about the transfer market. The important thing is to see what the players did today. From how they played, I they have made it clear that they want to be part of society. And this is an important signal.”
What did you do in the break?
“We only changed on the tactical aspect, we sent Morten a little higher on the pitch to help Pinamonti and Miretti because it was too complicated for them to defend two against three. In the second half, with the energy that the fans brought, we created interesting situations for us.”
First time that Meret is the best on the pitch, Leali made no saves.
“We showed that we could play good football but in the end we didn't take any points. After the match I told the boys that if we continue to do as we did in the second half we will win more games.”
Vitinha?
“He's a player who works well for the team. He hasn't played for two months. I knew that after an hour he might be a little tired but I'm happy with his game. There are still things he can do better and can give so much to the team.”
The two goals conceded with a header?
“They have very tall players, the free kick was taken well and without Thorsby we are a little weaker. This is part of the game and we must continue at this pace.”
Thorsby out. How did this idea come about?
“I don't want to justify the decisions I made. The desire was to have a more offensive player. That's why I decided to put Vitinha. I can't make choices because a player is taller and smaller. I made this decision, I'm paid also for this reason.”
Between you and Conte you are more satisfied.
“When the match ends when you haven't taken any points, it's difficult to be satisfied. On the other hand, we showed that we have the quality and personality because we put on a team built to win the championship. And when I see what we did in the second half I feel gives positivity for the rest of the championship.”
Have you spoken to the new owner?
“We met him. He came to the training camp, we talked about the project and football. It was the first time, everything went smoothly.”
You are in 14th place. Is there fear of relegation?
“We are part of those teams fighting for survival. But we are ten teams. Three or four games ago we were not out of the relegation zone. It will be like this until the last game. It will be a difficult championship and we will do everything to stay in Serie A because this club deserves to be in Serie A.”
Have you thought about the budget for the transfer market with your boss and sporting director?
“We are working but it is not the right time to talk about the market.”
20.51 – Patrick Vieira's press conference ends.
