Paulo Vitor Barreto has warned Torino of the pitfalls European football could hide for the club, both directly and indirectly.
Paulo Vitor Barreto has warned Torino of the pitfalls European football could hide for the club, both directly and indirectly.
The Granata begin a first season in European football for 20 years on Thursday when they face off against Swedish side Brommapojkarna in the first leg of their Europa League Third qualifying round tie.
For their Brazilian striker, competition for places with new signing Fabio Quagliarella is not on his mind, but rather the significance of the game.
“I think to Stockholm as does Quagliarella . It will be the Coach to decide who to send into the field of play,” Barreto has explained to reporters this week.
“If I play then I will do my best as I always have. It is important to play a good game because getting a positive result there will make it easier for the return leg at home.
“For me, to score is not an obsession. If Toro wins without my goals then it does not matter, what matters is the victory.
“Playing in Europe signifies electrifying sensations, but it is very challenging. You have to be more than careful. In the past, many Italian teams playing in the Europa League have struggled in the League.
“But here at Toro are many who know the competition. In Europe there are no easy games – we should not go there thinking it’s a walkover.
“They play on a synthetic pitch and for us that is a novelty, whilst they are also ahead in their preparation. And then, there is more tension in these games and a greater expenditure of energy.
“Our goal must be the group stage. It is difficult to predict what sort of year it will be.”
Barreto was asked about the perceived change in tactics this pre-season at Torino, where Barreto may be one of two strikers on the pitch at the same time.
“I know the style of play under the Coach from memory, because I was with him at Bari. If we play two strikers in a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-4 I don’t know, but it is more beneficial for me because I know what I must do.
“Last year I was a little tired because I was not first choice and if I had to replace Immobile it was hard, because in playing with my back to the goal I did not have a physical gladiator to help me. Hopefully this year will be better.
“Who do I prefer to play with? I am happy with them all, whilst the important thing is to do things right. It makes no difference who I play with, they are all great players and we always have to show what we can do on the field.
“Targets for the year? The only thing I can say is that the commitment will never be lacking, as it wasn’t last year.
“But I cannot predict what will happen, so I hope that things go well for me and for my teammates.”