As Torino prepares for a crucial away match against Genoa at the Marassi stadium, manager Paolo Vanoli addressed the media in a pre-match press conference. With the team facing a challenging period, having earned just four points in their last nine league games and scoring only one goal in the past month and a half, this fixture takes on added significance.
Vanoli began by addressing the team’s current state, noting that while there were some minor fitness concerns with Ciammaglichella and Balcot, the squad was generally in good shape. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, stating, “These are important and heavy points in a difficult stadium. We will need to use our heads with a desire to win; now these points become gold.”
When asked about the absence of key players like Zapata, Vanoli stressed the need for the team to adapt: “We must learn that Zapata is not here. We need to take on more responsibility and find different ideas. Zapata is no longer here; we must provide other solutions and be more present in shots from outside.”
The manager also touched on the tactical aspects of the game, hinting at potential formation changes: “I’m not an integrationist. Last year I did the opposite, from four to three [in defense]. For us, it can be a solution, then it’s my decision.”
Addressing questions about his relationship with the club and recent meetings with President Cairo, Vanoli affirmed the support he feels: “Since I arrived, I have felt a lot of trust from the club and also from the fans. I am honest and sincere with myself, I know that results are very important.”
On the topic of potential January transfers, Vanoli remained focused on the immediate task at hand: “It’s ugly to talk now, I have a squad. All coaches talk about the market, especially after what happened with Zapata. It was a nice chat to understand my ideas: today Genoa is more important, we are focused on the field.”
When asked if he would settle for a draw against Genoa, Vanoli’s response was unequivocal: “No. In my life, I have always taken the field to try to win. In the game, you must also know how not to lose.”
