Duvan Zapata, Torino’s new captain, has expressed his excitement and commitment to his new role in a recent interview with Sky Sport during the team’s pre-season training camp in Pinzolo. The Colombian striker, who is entering his 12th season in Serie A, sees this as a significant milestone in his career.
“A great emotion, I didn’t expect it but I take all the responsibility. I will give everything that is needed, I’m excited: it’s the first time in my career, I hope to do it well and be an example on and off the field,” Zapata said.
When asked about his objectives for the upcoming season, Zapata stated, “One of my goals is to do better than last season. I care a lot about an improvement of the team and the group as well, we hope for a great year.”
Zapata also discussed the tactical changes under new coach Ivan Vanoli: “We have practically the same formation, but there are different things, including some concepts that we are trying to absorb as quickly as possible. It will allow us to do well, keep us attackers closer to the opponent’s goal and make us score many goals.”
The striker highlighted Vanoli’s focus on mental preparation: “He cares a lot about the mental aspect, he wants to improve all the time without taking certain things for granted, which sometimes seem trivial. Maybe this is what we missed last season, he cares a lot about it. We have to be convinced of what he tells us, otherwise it’s useless…”
Responding to club president Urbano Cairo’s call to raise the bar, Zapata acknowledged, “In my opinion, we lacked something mentally last season. And in some situations. Then we have to raise the level and this means that first we will have to understand what team we are and what we want to do, so as to think about achieving the goals.”
On a lighter note, when asked about owing teammate Raoul Bellanova a dinner for his assists, Zapata joked, “He arrived at the retreat yesterday but I still have to pay him (laughs)! It was his third assist… We haven’t had the opportunity and time, I’ll pay him soon or he won’t give me any more assists! Let’s hope the feeling continues.”
