Vieira warning to Genoa: ‘Fresh Juventus energy under new coach’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Patrick Vieira, Head Coach of Genoa looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 22, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Patrick Vieira warns Juventus will have ‘fresh energy’ after sacking coach Thiago Motta to bring in Igor Tudor, while he will not discuss his own future until Genoa ‘achieve our objective.’

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium on Saturday at 17.00 GMT.

This will be the debut of new Bianconeri coach Tudor, who replaced sacked Thiago Motta this week, making it rather difficult for Genoa to prepare tactical adjustments.

“We expect a difficult match considering the quality of the Juve squad, but also because a change of coach brings fresh energy to the group,” said Vieira in his press conference.

“I think we have always been able to compete against the big clubs. We are a team who want to confirm the good work we’ve done in recent weeks, as there are many positives from those performances.”

There are some reports that Tudor is planning a change of system for Juventus, abandoning the 4-2-3-1 formation to adopt a three-man defence.

“It would not have been easy even if Motta had still been in charge, but the players always give a response when there is a change of coach, especially at a big team like Juve. However, we are ready to face them with the intention of winning the game,” added Vieira.

“We are yet to beat a big club this season, but the positive thing is that we were able to compete.”

Vieira keeps Genoa guessing on his future

Genoa are comfortably mid-table, but Vieira bristles when asked about his future at the club.

“In order to win, we must do better on the details, as we still haven’t achieved our objective, which is to secure Serie A status. It’s a step forward, but not finished yet. Until we are mathematically safe, it is not the time to talk about the future.

“The only thing I will say is that I am very happy at the club.”

Caleb Ekuban, Vitinha and Morten Thorsby are not 100 per cent fit, but ought to still be part of the squad, while Aaron Martin is suspended.

“We tried out Alan Matturro during the week, as he won the Under-20 World Cup playing at left-back, so he knows the position, even if he prefers to be central. Aaron is a very important player for us, but it is always an opportunity for someone else to step up.”

Ruslan Malinovskyi made his comeback much earlier than anticipated from a horrible leg fracture.

“He is doing well, is ready to compete and play. He worked so hard during these months and he brings so much quality to the team.”

Genoa will debut their new fourth edition kit on Saturday, which is in homage to Boca Juniors, the Argentine club founded by emigrants from the port city.

“It is an important day for the fans and for Genoa, as Boca are such a big club,” concluded Vieira.