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Torino coach Paolo Vanoli spoke at a press conference on the eve of the delicate challenge against the new Genoa of Vieira.

Paolo Vanoli, coach of Torino, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the delicate away match in Genoa against the new Grifone of Vieira. The Granata club will have to try to find a victory to dispel a crisis that has been going on for more than a month and a half now: only four points earned in the last nine rounds of Serie A and above all only one goal scored.

TORINO TEAM UNITY ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

Torino, Vanoli’s words

How is the team?

“Good. We had some fatigue with Ciammaglichella and Balcot, but nothing serious: we will see if they can come with us. Karamoh had a virus yesterday but has recovered.”

What kind of match will it be?

“These are important and heavy points in a difficult stadium. We will have to use our heads with a desire to win, now these points become gold.”

Your opinion on Vieira?

“I watched many matches of Strasbourg, where he coached last year. Here he has only done two games, on Sunday they were left with 11 against 10 after a few minutes. He is doing a great job.”

Is Ilic returning?

“No, he is in the recovery phase. He had a problem with the flexor.”

Are there charismatic players missing in attack?

“No. When I said that in the second half against Napoli we needed to stress the opposing defense more, it means putting more balls in the box and being ready for shots from outside. In the first half, we had three great chances, even though Meret didn’t make saves. Adams’ header, Coco’s chance, and other chances from Sanabria but we didn’t test the goalkeeper. We were patient, but without pressuring their defense. I want more crosses, we have forwards who don’t have a structure but a choice of timing.”

Will you use Vlasic from the start?

“Points matter, the standings say this regardless of who plays. Whoever enters or substitutes must contribute, these are important points.”

What does it mean for Adams to have or not have Zapata? He hasn’t scored since Duvan got injured…

“We have to understand that Zapata is not here: I wanted to bring him to the press conference, but he’s not here. Taking on more responsibility and finding some different ideas: Zapata is no longer there, we have to provide other solutions and be more present in shots from outside. Against Napoli, Adams and Sanabria had important chances.”

Why isn’t Zapata here? It was a nice idea…

“I have always said he is a great player and a great man, he wants to be close to the team and it’s very nice. However, I don’t think he will come to Genoa, he has a rehabilitation process to go through.”

How are you dealing with this situation? Many defeats but faith in you, many former players who say you are not to blame and also a club that stands by you

“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: I am the first to put myself on the line, I don’t like this situation. Is the club leaving me alone? It’s wrong, things have never changed: the sporting director is always on the field…”

But sometimes having an executive who interacts with the journalists…

“I didn’t understand. I can’t answer that, it’s the club that has to decide what to do.”

Is this a bit of a fear match?

“I feel it every day, but it’s a positive feeling that makes me perform better. You have to be able to handle the different moments of the match.”

Have you received feedback on the meetings in the club for the transfer market?

“I also had a meeting with Cairo and Vagnati this week. It’s right not to talk about the market, but it needs to be planned.”

There is talk of a four-man defense: is this a perspective you are working on?

“I’m not an absolutist. Last year I did the opposite, from four to three. I don’t know why Vieira changed the formation, I look at my own home. It could be a solution for us, then it’s my decision.”

Have you asked for any players for January?

“It’s not nice to talk about it now, I have a squad. All coaches talk about the market also because of what happened with Zapata. It was a nice chat to understand my ideas: today Genoa is more important, we are focused on the field.”

Have you found a solution in defense? And are there any changes in the hierarchies on the wings with Vojvoda on the rise?

“When you have a squad available, it’s right to take advantage of a player’s positive moment. I played the fifth, it’s a demanding role and you have to have alternatives. Defense? Would you change it?”

During the meeting with Cairo, did you also discuss rumors of the club being sold?

“When I talk to the president, I don’t get into these discussions. I focus on doing well from a technical-tactical point of view: I am focused on what I can improve.”

When do you expect reinforcements? First 10 days, mid-January, end of January?

“I can’t know… I don’t have a magic wand: the January market is special, you have to identify certain characteristics. It will be the director’s job if there is a chance to get the players as soon as possible.”

Sosa arrived with certain expectations, now we’re not seeing him anymore… what phase is he going through?

“He must be calm and give more. I know what he can give me, he must give it. He is a player who can give more and must give more.”

Is Ciammaglichella an asset?

“It applies to all the young players who train with me. In the future perspective, I have shown how important young players are. But it’s always the same paranoia… Young players are not the ones who make the difference, but I believe in them and it’s satisfying to see a young player debut.”

Would you sign for a draw?

“No. In my life, I have always taken the field to try to win. In the match, you also have to know how not to lose.”