Fiorentina owner Andrea Della Valle insists “until it’s mathematically impossible we believe in the Champions League”.
The Viola are five points behind third-placed Roma, but have dropped points against relegation-battlers Verona and Frosinone in their last two games.
The patron today called journalists to the training ground, and explained that he still believes Champions League qualification is possible.
Fiorentina owner Andrea Della Valle insists “until it’s mathematically impossible we believe in the Champions League”.
The Viola are five points behind third-placed Roma, but have dropped points against relegation-battlers Verona and Frosinone in their last two games.
The patron today called journalists to the training ground, and explained that he still believes Champions League qualification is possible.
“I don’t like to hear talk of resignation, that’s why I’ve come here today, as well as to wish everyone a Happy Easter,” Della Valle told assembled media.
“Resignation does not exist in Fiorentina’s world. We’re disappointed, the Coach [Paulo Sousa] first and foremost because we’ve lost the opportunity to reel in Roma, in two games which were winnable on paper.
“We should be dramatic though, five points is a lot but it could also become few. We’re there, and until it’s mathematically impossible we believe in the Champions League.
“We played an extraordinary game against Napoli, how is it that everything has changed in 20 days? I’m surprised by that attitude.
“We’ve always said that we’re not completely equipped for Champions League qualification. We can be disappointed by the Verona and Frosinone games, but we need to pull together to put points on the board.
“In football we question everything because of some bad luck, but let’s not forget what we’ve done so far. We’re all convinced we can get excellent results in the final stretch of the season.
“The team is giving more than 100 per cent.
“Sousa? We’ve opened a cycle with him, he’s still very fired-up and we want to continue under his leadership.”
Della Valle then responded to criticism that he and his co-owner brother Diego have been bad for the club.
“I hear that Della Valle doesn’t put money into football, but it’s not like that. I’ve often had to cover debts from my own pocket.
“At the end of the season we’ll talk about a lot of things, all together, but right now I want to send a message to Florence.
“Until a few games ago, our football was the most beautiful in Italy. There’s still a long way to go, we have to defend fourth and try to get closer to third. We’ll fight until the end.
“I’ve always responded to criticism with facts. I’m in love with Florence and Fiorentina, I don’t care if some dispute that.
“Vincenzo Montella? We had some disagreements, but you can’t say Montella was sacked because Della Valle is touchy.
“I’m touchy like every Italian, because I live with passion.
“The new stadium? I’m optimistic and confident. I’ll meet [Dario] Nardella [mayor of Florence] soon, but I can tell you that we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The patron was less forthcoming on the subject of Yohan Benalouane, who arrived on loan from Leicester City in January, but has yet to make a single appearance due to injury.
“He’s a good lad,” Della Valle explained.
“But it’s with the lawyers and I’d prefer not to give my thoughts on that issue.”