Paulo Sousa is happy to be reunited with Basel, but warns Fiorentina are out to win the Europa League.

It kicks off on Thursday at 20.05 UK time (19.05 GMT).

“We want to win every game, as I never go out there thinking of a draw or defeat,” said the Coach in a Press conference when asked what Fiorentina’s ambitions are in the Europa League.

“We know that we will often face quality opponents, but the only objective of our work is to win.”

Paulo Sousa is happy to be reunited with Basel, but warns Fiorentina are out to win the Europa League.

It kicks off on Thursday at 20.05 UK time (19.05 GMT).

“We want to win every game, as I never go out there thinking of a draw or defeat,” said the Coach in a Press conference when asked what Fiorentina’s ambitions are in the Europa League.

“We know that we will often face quality opponents, but the only objective of our work is to win.”

As fate would have it, the opening game is against the club he left this summer.

“Basel know me well, just as I know them. We have a better chance of winning, as we are on home turf. I feel very happy to see them again, because I had an extraordinarily positive year in Switzerland. We won a great deal and that year will always remain in my mind.

“Every country has its own football culture and I think the biggest difference is in the organisation of the clubs. I do believe Italy is the hardest country in the world for a Coach.

“Basel have more experience in Europe and know they can play the Final at home. They’re focusing a great deal on this tournament and reaching that Final, so if we want to get there, we’ve got to want it even more.”

Giuseppe Rossi made his first Serie A start in over 480 days at the weekend, so will he be in the XI against Basel?

“It’s a possibility, as it is for every match. Mario Suarez? He came to a different style of football and needed time to settle. The whole team needs a while to find the right amalgam of attacking and defending movements. Consistency is fundamental to learn certain concepts.”

Jakub Blaszczykowski made his debut at the weekend as a late substitute, having arrived on deadline day.

“In a week we cannot understand his full fitness levels. He’s ready to play like all the others, but we want to introduce him into the game by diminishing the likelihood of a new injury.”

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