In a recent press conference, Torino’s head coach Paolo Vanoli provided insights into the club’s current situation, addressing the exclusion of Perr Schuurs from the Serie A list and updating on other player conditions.
Regarding Schuurs’ omission, Vanoli explained, “It was a coincidence, we still have two slots. You know we still have an operation pending, which is Ilic’s.” He reassured that Schuurs is continuing his rehabilitation, stating, “We’ve sent him to his specialist to help him overcome this ordeal. I’ve spoken with him; he’s motivated to return as soon as possible.”
Vanoli emphasized the importance of psychological support for injured players, noting, “I hope to give him psychological support. Being away from the field is difficult. But perhaps it’s better not to be close to teammates to avoid rushing things.”
Responding to inquiries about the new signings and their alignment with his plans, Vanoli was characteristically forthright: “You know how frank and sincere I am, and I’ve always been since the first day I arrived. What has irritated and disappointed me a bit in recent days is reading ‘Vanoli is disappointed, Vanoli is angry, Vanoli is irritated.’ I don’t need to be interpreted on these matters.”
The coach emphasized that all acquisitions were made in consultation with him and praised the club’s work in the transfer market. “The club has worked well because, in my opinion, they have brought in players of value in terms of mentality, who have won and know how to take a step further,” Vanoli stated.
He went on to discuss the specific attributes of the new arrivals. On Biraghi, Vanoli noted his versatility: “Biraghi is a player who can play both as a wing-back and has performed very well for two seasons as a left-back. He’s also a player who can give us a big hand on set pieces.”
Regarding Elmas, Vanoli acknowledged that he might need more time to reach full fitness but expressed confidence in the player’s determination and potential impact. “If we have a little patience, I think this boy will be a very important player for Torino,” he said.
Addressing the striker situation, Vanoli explained the challenges of finding a suitable replacement for Zapata in the January window. He revealed his conversation with the sporting director: “A week ago, spending time talking frankly and sincerely with the director, I told him that if we can’t get to an important profile – I want important strikers, and in this, I include Sanabria and Adams – let’s work to strengthen the squad also because we have changed the playing system.”
Vanoli also took the opportunity to clarify his current state of mind: “If I have to say what I am today, I say that I am focused and determined. Focused and determined because we have spent one part of the season in one way and another part of the season in another.”
When asked about the fitness levels of the new signings, Vanoli confirmed that all would be available for selection, though he noted that Elmas might need more time to reach full match fitness. “They will all be available. I repeat, perhaps the one furthest behind in condition is Elmas, and we need to be good, I really believe in this, to keep him with us and give him minutes, but not overdo it to avoid injuries,” he explained.
Concluding on a positive note, Vanoli expressed his satisfaction with the new additions: “I’m happy because they are functional players for this playing system, and I’m sure we have improved our squad.”
