In his first press conference of 2025, Patrick Vieira, the head coach of Genoa, addressed the media to discuss the upcoming match against Lecce, which marks their second consecutive away game. Vieira expressed optimism following a strong performance against Empoli, stating, “We are going to Lecce after a good game where we showed unity and quality, overcoming some difficult moments. Now we face a challenging match in Lecce that we need to manage.”
Regarding Lecce, Vieira noted their pride and resilience after a recent loss. “Lecce will be a proud team looking to bounce back from their last defeat. They are tough to face at home; they are a physical team and can assert themselves up front. We need to play as a team; it will be difficult, but we will be ready to earn points.”
Vieira also reflected on the growth of his team and areas for improvement. “There is always room for improvement. We haven’t achieved anything significant yet. The team is growing, but we can manage the ball better and improve defensively in certain situations. We must continue to work hard in training.”
On the injury front, Vieira confirmed that two players would be unavailable for the match but provided an update on Mario Balotelli’s status. “Norton and Caleb are out, but Mario has returned and will be part of the group.” When discussing Balotelli’s potential impact on the team, he emphasized the importance of collective effort over individual talent. “The focus should always be on the team rather than individuals. Our goal is to remain in Serie A. The ‘we’ is more important than the individual; this applies to me as much as it does to Mario or Mila.”
As for any potential changes in the squad or tactics, Vieira stated, “This is a time when many names come up. We need to remain calm and confident. I am comfortable with the group I have to work with. My interest lies not in individuals but in the collective.” He acknowledged concerns about talent within the squad but maintained that a strong team is paramount for success. “A strong team wins matches; talent comes after that, and for me, the team is more important.”
In closing, Vieira highlighted that improving ball management could lead to more goals. “If we can work better with the ball, we will score more goals. I am happy with this team and will work with the players I have available. The rest will be handled by the club.”
