Sir Patrick's statement seems to hint that he'll play an older Picard who has retired from Starfleet, probably worn out and disattisfied with the development of the Federation in post-Nemesis, post-Romulus implosion world. I can imagine a Starfleet who just recovered from another conflict created by the destruction of Romulus and has lost its way from the vision of the Federation we all know from the TNG years.
Picard is brought back to Starfleet to resolve a new conflict and as stated above, probably is posted in Enterprise-F or Enterprise-G with a younger crew who views the TNG-era Federation as a distant history. It's up to him not only to save the Federation, but also to instill the positive spirit of TNG-era Federation to these younger officers.