A perfect welcome and a successful integration to the OM squad for the new central defender. The Brazilian speaks to us about his first moments in his new club. Interview.
Vitorino Hilton, what is your analysis of the first two weeks of pre-season with your new club?
It’s good. My arrival in Marseille went well and I hope things will continue like that.
How are you feeling physically?
At the start of pre-season I felt tired, but as we advance I’m feeling better and better.
It has been very hot in Marseille, did that affect you all?
Yes, our bodies were given a rough time of it. Even for a player like me from Brazil, where we are used to high temperatures.
The training camp at Evian, is at a higher altitude with lower temperatures, will that help you deal with the preparation?
Of course, as we will be working essentilly on the physical aspect of things, speed, vivacity… It’s going to be good for us in view of the start of the season.
What do you think about your defensive partnership with Renato Civelli,a Brazilian and an Argentinian in the centre of defence, that is not a common sighth. How is that going?
Very well. He talks a lot in spanish on the field and even if we have conceded some goals our association is working pretty well.
What dio you think about your new coach Eric Gerets?
He gets on very well wioth his players. People say he is very rigourous, it’s true, but he is a very good coach. He knows how to laugh as well and I like that.
Tell us about his working methods?
We work a lot. He asks us to stay very concentrated during the sessions so we don’t waste any time during the technical phases.
Has he already told you what he is expecting from you?
Yes, but not in great detail. He said he was expecting a lot from me, notably my passing skills. He is counting on me to play good balls to the midfield.
Can you tell us a bit about your first contacts with the Marseille public?
I haven’t really met them yet. As I am living at the hotel, I don’t really go out much. We have two training sessions per day and after the first I like to rest. I think the contact with OM’s supporters will just come naturally and I hope it will go well.
What do you think about Marseille, is it different compared to Lens?
Yes ! The towns are very different. Marseille is a « big » city, where the climate is a lot hotter than in Lens. On top of that, the passion of the Marseille supporters for OM is incredible, the atmosphere is extraordinary!
Have you already made a place for yourself in the squad?
Yes. The welcome they gave me was excellent. I feel like I’ve been here for a year. I really feel at ease with the players.
Are you closer to any players in particular?
Yes. I’m always hanging around with Renato Civelli. Everything is going really well and I’m sure that it will be like that with the other players real soon.
