Few truly understand the impact that Karol Linetty has had in the Torino dressing room over the years. With his positive attitude, wise words, and exemplary behavior, “Lino” is one of those invaluable players who strengthens the team and provides stability, especially during difficult times. He is a leader and veteran on the field, a captain without the armband. In Torino’s recent match against Lyon, he was named man of the match.
Following the match, Linetty shared his thoughts, saying, “It fills us with confidence and self-esteem. I am pleased with our performance, even though it wasn’t perfect, which is normal in this phase. Despite playing well, we made mistakes that fortunately didn’t hurt us. Overall, it was a good game from us, showcasing personality. We deserved to win. It’s clear we are on the right path.”
Linetty reflected on the team’s tactical and philosophical changes, commenting, “At first, we faced some challenges, especially in defense. Our approach has shifted from man-to-man to zone positioning. After an initial period of understanding, we grasped the coach’s ideas better, and against Lyon, we executed many defensive maneuvers well. Communication improved, which showed on the field.”
He praised coach Paolo Vanoli, saying, “He is brilliant and brings many ideas. If we manage to implement them, we will have an enjoyable season.” When asked about the highlights from the Lyon match, he emphasized the spirit of the team: “We were close-knit and supportive. Even when someone made a mistake, another player was there to help. This aspect is very important; we held our heads high.”
Linetty has evolved his playstyle throughout his career, transitioning from a midfielder to a deep playmaker under Vanoli. “Ricci and I often switch positions, and with Ilic in the mix, it’s crucial not to give our opponents clear references,” he noted. When asked about his preferred position, he simply stated, “I just love playing.”
Assessing Torino’s progress under Vanoli, he acknowledged, “There’s still a lot to improve. We can’t think that just because we had a good draw against Lyon, our work is done. This friendly match helps us see that when we have the right spirit and follow the coach’s direction, we can win games.”
Discussing the revamped defense and the integration of new players, Linetty said Coco has settled in very well. “It’s natural for a strong player to adapt quickly. He may not speak Italian, but the language of football is universal. The defenders are working well and improving.”
When it comes to the attack, he feels optimistic despite some missed chances, stating, “We’ve created several opportunities, and I believe we will become more clinical near the goal.” He also shared his impression of Adams, a new signing: “We haven’t trained together much yet, but he seems like a strong forward. Coming from the Premier League means he must be good.”
As he embarks on his fifth season with Torino, Linetty acknowledged his role as a recognized leader and expressed his ambitions. “I want to climb as high as possible in the standings. I can’t promise the fans a place in Europe just yet; we have a new coach, so we’ll focus on our progress and take it game by game.”
Linetty also conveyed his personal sentiments about being at Torino. “I’m doing wonderfully! I’m proud to have been part of Torino for so long, and I can’t wait to start my fifth season. Plus, the city is beautiful!”
When it comes to what Torino means to him, Linetty concluded, “What can I say… Turin is amazing; it’s simply my home. I feel at home in this city.”
