Interview: Marco Caneira - Vidi go into the second leg with Bordeaux in a good position

Marco Caneira signed for Vidi in the summer of 2011 and remained with the club for the next three and a half years. He helped Videoton to two second place finishes in the league and also a league title and Super Cup success. He was also a member of the League Cup winning team. His biggest success came in 2012 when Vidi made it through to the group stages in the Europa League. We spoke to him on the phone from his home in Portugal. He was the usual friendly and approachable person who shared his thoughts on Vidi's big game on Thursday. Caneira played for them at the start of 2000. 

- It is now more than two years since you left Vidi. Tell us about your career since then and what your doing nowadays?

We mutually broke the contract in January 2015 and my playing career also came to an end at the same time. I did not move to another club after that. It was not an easy decision to finally hang my boots up after 20 years, but this is life and I knew that it would come eventually. I have spent all my time since then with my family and friends. I could not always do this when I was playing football and never had the time I really wanted to be with them. I still miss football sometimes but I feel good generally. 

Is there a possibility that you will turn to management in the future?

No, I have no such plans. I never prepared to become a manager and it is not a thing that really motivates me. I still feel that there is a chance later to work within football, but I am sure it will not be as a manager. 

You played for Bordeaux between 2002 and 2004. How do you remember back to this period?

Bordeaux are one of the biggest teams in France. I joined them at the age of 23, first on loan and although still not that experienced, I went on to really develop with them. Bordeaux is a rather quiet small town, but also a lovely place and the people adore football to this day. It was a nice part of my career with Bordeaux and I stayed there for almost two years. I then managed to move to a higher level when I moved to Spanish side Valencia. 

 You signed for Vidi in the summer of 2011 and remained in Szekesfehervar for over three years. How do you remember back to your time with the club and your period here?

It was a great experience to work together with Paulo Sousa in Szekesfehervar. One of the main aims at that time was to help the club with their mentality and also achieve success with Vidi in Europe. Looking back after several years, I can say that the events of 2012 opened up a new era for the club. It was not only the team but the supporters and owner that were all involved. It was a massive feeling for me to go through those good times with Vidi. Our run in the 2012 Europa League was the peak. Vidi had success hungry players and a coaching team that helped us to develop each week. It was a difficult journey to the group stage, and we were not the favourites in any of the games but we believed in ourselves and fought till the final minute. Everyone played their part in the success. I proudly look back to my time with Vidi.

Did the first leg result between Bordeaux and Vidi surprise you and what do you expect from the second leg on Thursday?

Naturally I still follow the team and the results and also watched last weeks game. I can honestly say that I was not surprised that Vidi achieved a tight result. They have a great chance and go into the second leg in a very good position. I feel that with the backing of their great supporters, it is possible to make it through to the next round. I remember back to when the supporters were the 12th man and that gave us great motivation. I know that the fanatisism of the Videoton supporters will help create a great atmosphere in the Pancho Arena.