Jose Peseiro Defends Victor Osimhen Amid Napoli Video Controversy, Gears up for AFCON
Jose Peseiro, Nigeria's coach, condemns Napoli's handling of Victor Osimhen in an interview with Sky Sports He reflects on his time with Real Madrid and expresses confidence in his team's potential to triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations
Jose Peseiro tells We that a video from the club, especially one from the inside, is highly undesirable and should not have occurred. This incident has left Napoli's Victor Osimhen feeling sad and confused, as he struggles to comprehend why such a situation has arisen. Nigeria's head coach, aware of the challenges that come with leading a team in a football-crazed nation of over 200 million people, could not have anticipated dealing with the aftermath of Osimhen being inexplicably singled out by his own club.
You might have come across a peculiar social media post mocking Osimhen's failed penalty or a racially-offensive one calling him a coconut. It's disheartening to see how someone who played a crucial role in Napoli's first Serie A title since Diego Maradona's era is now reduced to a mere joke.
Peseiro, on the other hand, has experienced a different side of Naples. He has witnessed the public's immense admiration for Osimhen in a city that has long worshipped Maradona. There are even murals featuring both the current striker and the former legend in the same location.
It is another reason for his anger towards recent events. "He contributed to the team's success in the league, and now they are ridiculing him?" However, after speaking with Osimhen to offer support, his advice is to remain focused and not let this treatment affect his aspirations in the game.
"Osimhen has become a renowned figure. Just two years ago, he was not as recognized. Now, he shines as a star. And when you are a star, everyone expects more, more, more. While others may be forgiven for poor performances, Osimhen is held to a higher standard because people anticipate greatness from players like him."
Napoli's actions were unfavorable, and naturally, he would prefer if they did not engage in such behavior. However, I suggest maintaining composure and not retaliating against the fans. It is important to remain stable and not lose control. Maintaining the right mindset and unique qualities is what distinguishes the top players, and he has the potential to reach that level.
At 63 years old, Peseiro is well acquainted with working alongside exceptional talent. Initially, he was a striker in the second-tier league in his home country of Portugal, acknowledging that he did not play at a high level. However, his coaching career took an unexpected turn when he earned promotion to the top flight with Nacional. This achievement presented him with a job opportunity that altered his career trajectory.
'I called Jose Mourinho'
"When my old teacher Carlos Queiroz called me, I was in Brazil scouting players. He informed me about his move to Real Madrid and expressed his desire for me to join him as his assistant. It was the year 2003, the same summer when David Beckham became part of the renowned group known as Galacticos.Instead of making an immediate decision, I reached out to my friend Jose Mourinho, who had previously served as an assistant at Barcelona. Seeking his advice, I inquired about his thoughts since I was already a head coach. Mourinho replied, 'Go for it. You can learn a lot in that environment'."
All of a sudden, Peseiro found himself conducting training sessions with legendary footballers like Raul, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Luis Figo. "Up until then, I was filled with apprehension. I had never before shared a dressing room with such giants of the game. However, it turned out to be surprisingly effortless because they possess such incredible intelligence. It was truly an unforgettable experience."
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David Beckham, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane celebrate together at Real Madrid
The experience only lasted for one season, consisting of 11 skilled players and the rest being less prominent. The attempt to mix superstar players with academy prospects, as well as the decision to sell the underrated Claude Makelele, served as a lesson on the superiority of great teams over great individuals.
Peseiro has applied these insights throughout his diverse career, which includes leading Sporting to the UEFA Cup final in 2005 and subsequent coaching positions in Greece and Romania. He has also held managerial roles at Porto and served as the head coach for the Venezuela national team. "Adaptation is crucial," he affirms.
The Ajax team from the 1970s remains my primary source of inspiration. Their attacking mobility and ball control fueled the creation of my own model. However, the game has significantly evolved since then. Arrigo Sacchi's tactics reduced the playing field to 40 or 50 meters and consequently limited the available space.
The real challenge lies in finding that space where players can exhibit their skills, as this is what the audience desires. Nevertheless, the modern game relies heavily on transitions. It is the ability to effectively handle these transitions that sets the best teams apart, since training attacking and defensive organization is comparatively easier.
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Peseiro, having served as an assistant at Real Madrid, has gained vast international experience throughout his career. With a master's degree in sports science and a wealth of memories from his global ventures, Peseiro is an intriguing personality. However, despite his achievements, he has yet to secure significant trophies. Viewing the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in January as a golden opportunity, Peseiro is determined to lead his Nigeria team to success.
"Our ultimate objective is to emerge victorious in the AFCON tournament," he affirms. "To achieve this, we must bring our best game forward as we are aware of the formidable competition we face. Teams like Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, and Ivory Coast pose a significant challenge. Nevertheless, our unwavering belief and commitment drive us to believe in our ability to achieve success. I have faith, and so do the players."
There are obstacles to overcome. "The structural and organizational differences between here and Europe are noticeable." Peseiro has willingly accepted a reduction in his salary to continue leading the team for this tournament, originally scheduled for this summer. "The players' conviction in our victory persuaded me to stay."
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Peseiro aims to lead Nigeria to success in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place early next year. Despite his efforts to create a cohesive team, he faced challenges when selecting domestic-based players for friendly matches against Mexico and Ecuador last year. This posed a frustration for him as he tried to foster unity among players coming from different parts of the world.
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"I attempted to convey the importance of attending the friendly matches in order for us to make progress. Without your participation, we will not be able to establish a connection both on and off the field, as the team spirit is crucial. By meeting more frequently, we can foster the desired team spirit."
Osimhen has now joined the team during this international period, serving as a role model. However, he is not the only one. Nigeria's depth sets them apart from other African nations. "Selecting the strikers or wingers is not an easy task for me," Peseiro chuckles.
The star is unequivocally evident.
"When Osimhen visits Nigeria, everyone clamors to make contact with him, have a conversation with him, or capture a photograph with him," states Peseiro. "This is not limited to Nigeria alone, but extends everywhere." During the AFCON qualification, he achieved an impressive total of 10 goals, surpassing the tally of any other player from any other country.
His goal-scoring potential could have been even higher if it weren't for his selfless act of allowing his team-mates to take two penalties. My suggestion would be to seize those opportunities for himself! Unlike other players, he grants such requests and willingly lets others take the penalties. He truly is a commendable individual.
He possesses exceptional strength, intelligence, and impressive skills in both defense and offense. His versatility allows him to excel in various areas of the game. He applies relentless pressure on the opposing center-backs and challenges the defensive line by making runs into space. Whether it's in the air or on the ground, he effortlessly attacks the ball. Victor Osimhen's unwavering motivation, speed, and physical prowess make him a formidable force. This is the reason why Nigeria envisions claiming their first AFCON triumph in more than ten years. "We have the potential to emerge victorious," declares Peseiro. "The players are fully aware of this fact. They approach every match with the same determination and belief, ready to fight for the Super Eagles." With Victor Osimhen as a key contributor, the possibilities become endless.
And there is no chance of his national team manager forgetting it.
