Article

Pereira : I am constantly trying to improve myself

ServetteFC.ch | 01.12.11 à 17:47

João Carlos Pereira gives his first interview to the editorial staff of ServetteFC.ch. In a very good French, the new mentor of the Grenat presents himself and gives us his passion for football. The man breathes football with the constant desire to improve his knowledge.

Can you introduce yourself?
My name is João Carlos Pereira, I am 46 years old. I am a father of two boys who are 20 years and 11 years old. They play football and study. I like reading, I am fascinated by the sciences which bring knowledge to my job (psychology, philosophy, neurolinguistics). I have a university degree in business relation and management. I also have a minor specialization in sports management. I began my coaching career in 3rd division in Portugal. I was lucky enough to get to rise in 2nd division, then I was asked to join a team in 1st division (Académica de Coimbra), I was the assistant of Artur Jorge then we confided me the team. I have coached several teams in 1st division in Portugal. I also coached in Kuwait and in Cyprus to know other markets, other types of football. I am a coach who tries constantly to improve, to perfect his knowledge. I did a lot of training with top coaches in major European clubs. I am ambitious, I will continue to seek perfection if it exists.

You have been presented as a modern coach. Do you accept this description? What is modern football?
I am always on the look-out for novelties in sciences of training. I try to be in the headland. I study the technical, tactical aspects, as mentioned before I’m fascinated by science. I do my best to improve my knowledge. It’s an obsession. I research permanently, I speak with people who examined themes directly or indirectly connected to football. Modern? This description or label of "modern" comes from observers of my work, those who worked with me, whether it is the players, the leaders. My teams play well, we take the best of every player, we have a good working quality. The players have fun while working with us because they appreciate our working methodology. Maybe that is why people say that I am a modern trainer. I try to improve my knowledge.

You arrive in a particular context. Your predecessor was the idol of the servettiens supporters. What do you want to tell the public?
To be honest, I was in Portugal, I never thought of becoming the coach of Servette. I followed the work of João Alves, I was glad of its course, you know, at home we always follow the Portuguese abroad. We had excellent feedback of his work. I'm here now. What I look for is to continue what Mr. Alves did well. This is another step for me as for the club for the players.

In which mental state did you find your players?
The team seems well and is receptive. You have to think of one thing. This is a team which rose from second division, which is in the first division after several years of absence, there are a lot of expectations. I feel that the players made me feel welcome.

What were your first words to the team?
"Starting today, we have to get ready to beat Zurich." Something like that.

On Sunday you will face Zürich in a match at 6 points and you have numerous injured or suspended. How will you deal with the urgency?
This is not a decisive match. By winning one would be in a comfortable position. This gives us the opportunity to continue our path, an ambitious path. Being a coach is a profession where you have to make diagnoses, unseal the problems, but it is especially to find solutions. And that's what we want, find the best solutions with the available players. You know, there are not many solutions to the numerous absentees, but we are united, mentally available and motivated to make a good match. We must now proceed together the next obstacle Zürich.