Vitinha faced difficulties during his first season at Paris Saint-Germain, following his transfer from Porto in the summer of 2022. He told A Bola how much the arrival of coach Luis Enrique has benefited him and how happy he is today, even though he would be “curious” to play alongside Pep Guardiola (Manchester City manager).
Vitinha: “Luis Enrique arrived and, thankfully, he dispelled all my doubts.”
“During my first year at PSG, I had a lot of self-doubt. And then Luis Enrique arrived and, thankfully, he dispelled all my doubts and confirmed that I was indeed who I thought I was. But it took time even after my arrival; I needed to prove myself. I’m very happy where I am, I love being where I am, and I love training with the PSG squad and with Luis Enrique!”
Vitinha: “I’m very happy where I am!”
Another coach?
To be consistent, I’d say Guardiola. I think his playing style is very similar to Luis Enrique’s, in the same philosophy, and to mine. So, I’d be very curious to know what it’s like to be coached by him. But I’m very happy where I am!
It’s undeniable, Vitinha struggled during his early days at PSG. Under coach Christophe Galtier, the team was practically nonexistent, and some players were struggling. Including the Portuguese player, but we can also think of Fabian Ruiz (the 29-year-old midfielder), for example. The arrival of Luis Enrique and the revitalization of the project did wonders for the team and the individual players.
The Portuguese international found the right conditions to express himself, and the Spaniard even helped him improve. Not forgetting a positional change that was initially heavily criticized but which now allows Vitinha to shine as a playmaker, while also being quite regularly decisive.
Comfortable, confident, valued, and within a team capable of great things, Vitinha isn’t looking to leave, and it’s reasonable to think he’ll be at PSG for a while longer. His curiosity is understandable, especially since Guardiola has already expressed his admiration for the Portuguese player. Some media outlets have even considered this possibility, fueling rumors that will undoubtedly resurface.
