Bruno Genesio defends Igor Paixao despite his inconsistent performances

Bruno Genesio has come to Igor Paixao’s defence, with the winger’s performances remaining inconsistent and not yet fully meeting expectations. Paixao has at times been frustrating in his behaviour, but his coach was keen to highlight his commitment.

The comments follow OM’s 1-0 victory at Leverkusen in the Europa League. Amine Gouiri scored a superb goal, while the team found a stronger defensive footing. Yet Paixao appeared a level below his teammates in an otherwise convincing collective display. Some passages also showed a lack of understanding with teammates, particularly over runs and passing choices involving Gouiri or Hojbjerg.

Genesio dismissed the suggestion that there was a problem with his player. “There’s no issue,” he said at a press conference on Saturday, on the eve of the match at Lens. He also explained why, in his view, statistics alone do not capture Paixao’s contribution: “I think Igor’s performances are judged too much on stats. But what I see, and what I judge too, is his commitment to the team.”

To make his case, the coach pointed to the game at Leverkusen: Paixao repeatedly helped Ulisses Garcia and tracked back defensively, as instructed. Genesio considers that work as important as scoring or providing an assist. He also believes his player is improving and is not trying to overdo things.

Genesio’s show of confidence comes despite a tense moment at Troyes in early October, when Paixao struggled to accept being substituted late in the match. Last summer, OM turned down approaches from Sunderland, in the Premier League, as it sought to keep the winger amid a difficult financial situation. Genesio said Paixao had come to terms with not leaving, while reiterating his support: “I find him very committed to the collective and to the team.”