ISL 2017: "I have a great relationship with Neymar," says Mumbai City FC defender Gerson Vieira

Back in 2009, Gerson Vieira captained a star studded U-17 Brazilian side which consisted of the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Casemiro. The versatile centre-back has had the privilege of sharing the dressing room with some stalwarts of the game.

Mumbai City FC displayed wisdom by retaining his services for the ISL 2017 season. This time around, Gerson's role doesn't seem strictly defined. At times he has operated as a centre-back but there have been occasions, for example against Bengaluru FC, when Gerson played as a defensive midfielder.

In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, the 25-year old,Vieira spoke on a wide range of subjects that included his conversations with Neymar, his position on the pitch, the DJ in the Mumbai dressing room and more.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

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Gerson, with the new schedule, do you sense a difference in the way the ISL is being played out?

It's a longer season, and we have more time to train, recover and develop. And I feel very good to come back to India especially with a longer calendar ahead.

What kind of coach is Guimaraes?

He's an excellent coach, the best I've worked with. He's like a father figure to the entire lot. He teaches us a lot both on and off the pitch and at the same time, demands a lot from us too to give our best.

You've also played as a defensive midfielder this season. Why so?

Unfortunately, I cannot predict what will happen in the future games. It's purely the coach's call where he wants me to play. All I can say is that I'm extremely happy. I'm comfortable in the midfield as well but more importantly, I am happy to contribute in any way the coach wants me to.

Are you still in touch with Neymar and Coutinho? What do you guys talk about?

Sometimes, we speak. But it's been a while. We have a great relationship and a lot of mutual respect whenever we meet, but it's been years. They're great people. For me, it was an honor for me to captain my country and lead such fine players. It was more than a dream.

Has the coach asked the team to be more physical on the pitch this season?

It's not an instruction, to be honest. We're a different team from last season, and physical or not, our aim is to perform well and win games. Unfortunately, we couldn't achieve that in Bengaluru, but we're confident of playing our own game against FC Goa.

What are your must-do, pre-match rituals before every game?

It's simple -- I like to imagine myself in a situation where I am celebrating a goal or a victory with the rest of the boys. Nothing beats that feeling of exhilaration and I want to work towards that.

Who controls the music in the dressing room? What kind of music do the players listen to?

It's mainly Amrinder and Marcio. And quite predictably, it's either Brazilian music or some Punjabi numbers belting in the changing room and in the bus.

Is the ISL trophy a realistic objective for Mumbai this year? Would it be fair to say you all are the underdogs?

I believe we have a great side and I have faith in the team and our coach as well. We have the potential to go a long way this season.