Interview

P. Vieira: “A big step forward tactically”

At the end of the fixture against Charleroi on Saturday (2-2), Patrick Vieira was pleased with his side’s progress. 

Coach, what do you take away from this third friendly?
We are getting better and better physically. Tactically, I saw some good things. It’s encouraging for the future. We saw some good moves. We were well disciplined and respected the game. I liked the rhythm that we brought to the game in the first half. We created pretty dangerous chances, even though we need to be more aggressive in the last 30-40 metres. The good thing is that we are progressing. The intensity was really good today. 

“A big step forward tactically” 

Your side managed to equalise. Is that important for confidence?
We were losing 1-0, we got it back to 2-1. But we also conceded in the dying stages of the game. It’s a shame, but it shows that we need to continue to work on our concentration, because these games come down to very small details. But the score wasn’t the most important thing. The important thing for me was to see the progress tactically in terms of what I am asking of the players. On that level, I really felt a big step forward, it’s positive.  

After only 3 weeks of work together...
Yes, it’s thanks to the attitude of the players which is positive. They arrive every morning full of concentration and are ready to work. I am really happy, and I can’t ask any more of them than they are already giving me, in terms of enthusiasm and concentration. That’s the only way we will continue to progress.