Federico Bernardeschi reveals the “wonderful” Paulo Sousa has made “a big impact” on him as he hopes Fiorentina can win the Coppa Italia this season.
Bernardeschi’s best football has come since Fiorentina’s appointment of Sousa in 2015, and the winger believes the Coach has what it takes to guide the Viola to bigger and better things.
“I think it was a good year,” he told Premium Sport.
Federico Bernardeschi reveals the “wonderful” Paulo Sousa has made “a big impact” on him as he hopes Fiorentina can win the Coppa Italia this season.
Bernardeschi’s best football has come since Fiorentina’s appointment of Sousa in 2015, and the winger believes the Coach has what it takes to guide the Viola to bigger and better things.
“I think it was a good year,” he told Premium Sport.
“We saw who we were, through our game, our quality and ideas. It’s not easy to convey this to the fans, so I think we did well.
“The highest point was at the end of last season’s first round, when we were at the top.
“The worst was when we tried to express our game but the results didn’t follow. Then there were a few things within the team that demoralised the group a bit.
“Euro 2016? It was fantastic to be part of such a group and take part in a European Championship at 22.
“I’m a guy who has confidence in himself, I’m sure of my ideas and I always try to transmit my humanness before my footballing side.
“I’m humble and I have a strong passion for football. I take life with each day as it comes but I always want to do something more. I’m always feeling better and I think it was one of the best moments in my life.
“Comparisons with Antognoni and Baggio? Right now, the fans are giving me so much [affection] and I must thank them.
“When you’re compared to champions of that calibre, it’s a huge satisfaction. You have to earn it every day, working hard, making sacrifices, remaining focused and humble: we must always be ready.
“The No 10 shirt? I had this idea in my head for a few years. The first year I was injured and the 10 was taken, but the following season I became aware of myself and went to my bosses to ask and understand whether it could be seen as an arrogant gesture.
“They told me that there’d be no problems, and then I took it.
“Sousa? I have a wonderful relationship with the Coach, on both a human and professional level.
“He gave me so much faith right away. I was surprised when I returned from the U21 European Championship and he said that he believed in me, despite my injury.
“He immediately made a big impact on me, and from that moment everything went smoothly. I’m very happy with him.
“The Champions League? We must think about ourselves. Match after match, we can do better, but now we’re more aware of our strength and showing it.
“Getting to the Champions League will be tough, the League is very tight and there are so many strong teams, so we have to focus on where we are, which will confirm our progress in the Europa League.
“Then, if we were to achieve something better, it’ll be even better. For 2017? I’d settle for a Coppa ..”