Adi Viveash previewed Middlesbrough’s trip to Oxford United
If Adi Viveash leads Middlesbrough against Oxford United as well as he did in the Rockliffe press room on Thursday afternoon, Boro will be in good hands.
Viveash has taken over as Boro’s temporary manager following Rob Edwards’ decision to leave for Wolves. He also led the team to victory over Birmingham City, but this weekend is a little different because the former Chelsea and Coventry City coach has led the entire week of training and match preparation ahead of the Championship showdown at the Kassam.
Over the last few weeks, the 56-year-old has pleased many at the club’s training facility. He confesses that this phase has been ‘difficult’. The decency with which Viveash has behaved himself has not gone unnoticed, and it is for this reason that Boro’s administration is so eager to guarantee he plays a significant position in the next new head coach Kim Hellberg’s squad.
Before that, Viveash must lead Boro against Oxford, as well as former club Coventry next week. It may not be perfect circumstances, but Viveash is certainly bearing himself well. After speaking so well after the Birmingham win in such difficult circumstances, he returned to the cameras on Thursday to preview the trip to Oxford.
Viveash demonstrated his true colors in an educational and outstanding press conference, answering questions for 45 minutes and highlighting why he is so highly regarded in the hallways of Rockliffe.
Despite his admission that he did not feel at ease in the press room and preferred the training pitches, he displayed no signs of discomfort. There were times when he displayed his sense of humour, such as when he joked about how difficult it has been for many people to pronounce his name. It’s A-Dee Vye-Vash, he confirmed.
There were other times when his steely ambition to succeed for the club shined through, and it felt fairly sharp when addressing his future; he made it plain that he is a ‘loyal’ man, as his career demonstrates.
Viveash, on the other hand, demonstrated his concern for his players. Perhaps unfairly, Viveash has earned a reputation for being difficult and, at times, confrontational. However, he has vast experience in youth player development, and his relationship with Boro’s players was evident following the Birmingham triumph, when they shoved him forward to the centre of post-match celebrations.
In the two weeks since that victory, much of Viveash’s focus has been on managing the Boro players both on and off the field, ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared to deliver on Saturday. In that regard, Viveash’s news conference took a surprising but refreshing turn when he discussed the significance of communicating and expressing sentiments in a men’s team locker room, as well as the need of guys discussing mental health.
Regarding the difficult circumstances in general, Viveash stated: “It’s been interesting. It’s been tough at times. As an assistant coach, I believe you will communicate with the players more frequently. You’re constantly with the players, putting out fires and talking to them about their frustrations at times.
“Maybe pull them one-on-one and conduct some tactical study with them. Going over their clips and asking them to talk. That, I believe, is a significant development. Modern players occasionally struggle in a room full of males. However, getting them one-on-one allows you to free them up.
“We’ve had some very excellent meetings with units this week, and the onus has been on the players to speak up because I enjoy hearing how they feel. We have an eloquent bunch of players here, which has been very interesting for me. You want them to be comfortable with the process, what you’re going through, and what you’re attempting to accomplish.
“Certainly this week, and given the situation the club is in, I believe it’s critical that they’re substantially involved, and I’ve really liked it. But, as the head coach, you’re probably picking and choosing them more carefully.”
On how both the players and the larger backroom staff have helped make the situation simpler for him to manage, he added: “I’m extremely fortunate that the senior professionals at this football club are amazing individuals as well as really, really brilliant footballers. They’ve undoubtedly lead the dressing room.
“I didn’t have to say anything; they led the dressing room in a very helpful manner. Everyone has been singing from the same song sheet to keep the ship on track as we approach the weekend. Their friendship and cohesiveness are arguably the best I’ve witnessed in a dressing room or outside of the club. But you’re attempting to navigate muddy waters, and some things can derail you.
“Obviously, when you consider the impact of certain incidents that have occurred in recent weeks, as well as decisions taken and how they are seen, it is extremely tough. Each player is unique. We also have a large number of foreign players who may not fully grasp.
“When you meet with players one on one, you notice that they are pretty articulate. Some of them simply brush it off and want to get out there, while others are different and need to process and work through it. I believe that has been fairly difficult.
“But you’ve got an outstanding crew here. Real top talent in all professions, and they all play their roles. There’s a very clear message, and I’ve found it both interesting and humbling to see personnel do their work and due diligence so effectively in a difficult environment.”
Boro’s ship feels more stable because to Viveash’s experience and professionalism, despite the difficult circumstances. He’ll be trying to add a second win to his head coaching resume on Saturday against Oxford.
xz
