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Giovanni Leoni credits Andrea Pirlo influence and addresses transfer interest
Giovanni Leoni reflects on his rapid progress at Liverpool, highlighting the crucial role of his teammates and coaches in helping him adapt to life at the club and in the Premier League. He describes the dressing room as supportive and competitive, with senior players setting standards that push him to improve every day.
A key theme of the interview is Leoni’s admiration for Andrea Pirlo, whom he cites as a major influence on his style and mentality. Growing up, Leoni studied Pirlo’s composure, passing range and reading of the game, and he explains how he still analyses clips of the Italian legend to refine his own decision‑making under pressure. He credits Pirlo with shaping his vision of how a modern defender or deep‑lying player should contribute to building attacks, not just stopping them.
Leoni also speaks about the tactical education he is receiving at Liverpool, noting how the coaching staff demand intelligence on the ball, bravery in possession and constant concentration without it. He stresses that training sessions are often as intense as matches, and that learning from experienced figures around him has accelerated his development.
On the subject of transfer interest, Leoni acknowledges that he is aware of speculation linking him with other clubs but insists that his focus remains entirely on Liverpool. He says he is grateful for the faith shown in him, feels settled in the city and at the training ground, and believes this is the best place to grow in the next stage of his career. Any talk of moves elsewhere, he adds, is something for the future and not a distraction from his current objectives.
Looking ahead, Leoni discusses his ambitions at both club and international level, aiming to become a regular starter, compete for major trophies and follow the example of players like Pirlo by building a long, successful career at the highest level.
