Delio Rossi reveals he offered to resign after Fiorentina’s 5-0 defeat to Juventus. “It seemed only right to say if I was a weight, then I could step aside.”
The Viola had denied their Coach took this step following last week’s humiliating home loss, while the team has been in a pre-match training camp for the last few days.
Delio Rossi reveals he offered to resign after Fiorentina’s 5-0 defeat to Juventus. “It seemed only right to say if I was a weight, then I could step aside.”
The Viola had denied their Coach took this step following last week’s humiliating home loss, while the team has been in a pre-match training camp for the last few days.
“It seemed only right to say if I was a weight, then I could step aside. I wanted to put myself back up for debate and was the first to examine my conscience,” said Rossi.
“The club confirmed it wanted to continue with me, which was pleasing, because I am not a caretaker. I do not wish to be an obstacle for the Viola. I informed the squad of the same thing and they too confirmed their faith in me.
“However, if things carry on like this, then it’s not good. We all cared about the game with Juventus and had been doing fairly well, then were severely punished. It’s a shame.”
Fiorentina take on Genoa tomorrow afternoon and both sides hope to avoid being sucked back into the relegation dogfight. Rossi acknowledges the furious fan protests this week were only to be expected.
“If you have high expectations and these are the results, then of course people are going to get angry. There is so much passion in Florence, which both honours and weighs on you. Anyone who wants to fly high must take that responsibility.
“I don’t think it will be a staid or defensive game against Genoa, as neither side is particularly tactical. We are not in good shape.”
Stevan Jovetic and Valon Behrami are back in the squad, while Rossi faces ex-Fiorentina star Alberto Gilardino.
“We will always thank him for what he did here. I don’t think he’ll be eager to take revenge, because he gave a great deal to Fiorentina and vice versa. Besides, we left each other on good terms and I’ll salute him with affection.”