Guglielmo Vicario has expressed his delight in playing an important part in Tottenham’s victory against Man United, insisting that the Lilywhites will continue pushing bodies forward even if it comes with the risk of being exposed defensively.
Vicario did come in for some criticism after his Spurs debut against Brentford but the goalkeeper showed in his first game in front of the home fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just why he was considered one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A during his time at Empoli.
The 26-year-old made several sharp saves to deny Man Utd, particularly in the first half, and impressed with his decision-making in possession.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The new Spurs shot-stopped admitted that he is over the moon to be able to contribute in a big win.
He told Football.London: “We worked all week and trained so hard to try to do this kind of match. Sometimes we can do it, sometimes we can’t. I think today we did many, many good things. We are so happy but we have to keep working and keep improving, But we are in the right way.
“I am proud of myself for today because my role is to help the team when the result is close and the keeper makes a save it is good for the team so I am happy for my lads that we took a big win today and a home win. Now we don’t want to stop – we have to work a lot. We can also play better and we will try to do this.”
Perhaps Vicario’s best save of the game was his quick reaction to tip Casemiro’s point-blank header over the bar soon after Tottenham had opened the scoring through Pape Matar Sarr.
When asked about his stop to deny the Brazilian, the goalkeeper said: “The most important thing was to be a help to my teammates and give them a hand in a moment like this. I am happy to make the save but am happier that we got the win today.
“We train a lot for this but we have to keep improving. The balance is the most important thing in football. Sometimes it can be okay. Sometimes it is wrong. But my position is all about balance.”
The Lilywhites played on the front foot throughout the 90 minutes, instead of sitting on their lead – something they did quite often in the Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho eras.
Tottenham’s approach did come with some risk as they conceded several chances on the counter-attack but Vicario insisted that the team will continue being brave on the ball and committing bodies forward.
Vicario is happy for Spurs to leave him exposed
When asked about Spurs’ high-risk approach, the Italian responded: “I think that is the direction of modern football. You have to take some risks to perhaps break some of the pressing lines.
“You have to attract them forward and then maybe go through them. Life is about risk and that is what you have to do.
“I think, but we have to be focused game by game. Every game is different. Every opponent is different and in the Premier League, every game is tough so we have to be mentally and physically ready. But I think we are. We have a good group – big lads – and I think we can do better.”
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The one thing about Vicario’s game that stands out is his ability to make saves in one vs one situations, which is something he might be required to do relatively often in our current system.
His save against Rashford at the end of the first half was a prime example as his timing in coming out of his line was perfect and he made himself big to ensure the Man Utd forward could not squeeze the ball past him.
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