KOP News # 1324

Patrick Vieira exclusive: England captain Gerrard is a true leader who never hides

By Neil Ashton

PUBLISHED: 21:55 GMT, 18 June 2012 | UPDATED: 21:55 GMT, 18 June 2012

There was a time when Patrick Vieira was the snarling face of football, full of anger and animation during his glorious career with France and Arsenal.

At Euro 2012 his statesmanlike presence is felt everywhere, reaching around the grounds with his articulate an  considered opinions on every aspect of the tournament.

He loves watching England, paying special attention to the team Roy Hodgson inherited after Fabio Capello quit over the captaincy issue in February.

There's only one England captain: Vieira has lauded the impact of Gerrard on the England set-up

Vieira has special affection for the country, igniting a surprising passion as he prepares to watch simultaneous transmissions of their game against Ukraine tonight while France take on Sweden.

The World Cup and Euro 2000 winner has identified an  impressive blend of skill and spirit among England's players, pinpointing Steven Gerrard's role as captain as one of the vital ingredients.

Vieira said: 'As a manager, or if you are one of the players, you are looking for a leader in the team - someone to show you the way. Steven Gerrard is the main man for England.

In the spotlight: The Liverpool star has thrived with the responsibility of the England captaincy

'To come back from a losing situation against Sweden was important. It creates something strong in the group because they have proved to themselves it is possible to win from that position.'

Vieira knows all about teamwork, maturing into one of the world's best midfielders after arriving at Arsenal in 1996.

Two years later, he travelled to the World Cup in France with a Premier League medal, an accomplished member of a squad that already boasted Zinedine Zidane, Emmanuel Petit and Didier Deschamps.

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He also knows about the fear, the nerves that can affect players when they start playing  tournament football with so much at stake.

Vieira is in Al Jazeera's television studio, picking his way through the tournament and reminding himself of the pressure the players are under.

He said: 'As an international, I would play the game maybe 10 or 15 times in my head before I got on the pitch and my legs would be jelly.

Balotelli needs to grow up... I am not his babysitter 

'England reminded me a bit of that in their first game against France. They lacked ambition and I was surprised because I expected them to try to win the game - they were scared of France.

'Beating Sweden creates something strong and against Ukraine they also have the benefit of Wayne Rooney. England have to play their best player and Rooney is England's best player by far.'

The Manchester United striker promises he will channel his anger, and discipline is an area where Vieira has particular expertise after being sent off 10 times in his Arsenal career.

In his role as football executive at Manchester City he is working closely with Italy striker Mario Balotelli.

Vieira said: 'There is no doubt about Mario's talent, he is a matchwinner but he needs to grow up. He needs to understand how good a player he is. He is a young man and it is normal to make mistakes.

Time to grow up: Vieira has urged the Manchester City striker to mature

'There is a lot of pressure on him because he moved from Milan to Manchester at such a young age and he is also away from his family.

'You help people who want to be helped, that's why he needs to grow up. I am not his babysitter but at City we have a duty to help him settle. I try to make him understand he is a role model.

'I do a lot of work in City's academy and the young players all want to be like Mario - that's why we need to find a balance.'

Vieira had also been monitoring Robin van Persie before Holland's exit on Sunday as part of his brief for Roberto Mancini. Manchester City are prepared to offer Van Persie big money to swap the captain's armband at Arsenal for the prospect of a Barclays Premier League title.

Vieira said: 'Robin van Persie will make the best decision on his future. He is 29, with a year left on his contract, and can make his choice.

'At Arsenal the team play for him and the arrival of Lukas Podolski should help convince him that Arsenal want to  challenge City, Manchester United and Chelsea again.

'It is difficult because, when you see players like Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave, you begin to question whether they want  to win trophies.

'It is difficult to believe that Arsenal are such a big football club and they haven't won  anything since 2005 - now there is pressure. They need to win something to have respect worldwide.

'Podolski will be an important signing because he has the mentality Arsenal need. They have been lacking leadership on the field.'

It makes sense, but that has always been one of Vieira's virtues.