Paulo Sousa says Fiorentina are 'developing' but 'need to take their time' on the pitch, whilst congratulating Giuseppe Rossi.
The Viola were able to take down Rui Costa's Benfica on penalties, and their new Coach was openly pleased with the performance.
“It was another positive game,” he said. “We're developing in terms of character, quality and speed of play.
Paulo Sousa says Fiorentina are 'developing' but 'need to take their time' on the pitch, whilst congratulating Giuseppe Rossi.
The Viola were able to take down Rui Costa's Benfica on penalties, and their new Coach was openly pleased with the performance.
“It was another positive game,” he said. “We're developing in terms of character, quality and speed of play.
“We missed three goals. Sometimes we're speeding up plays a bit too much, we need to take the time that is required to build up our game.
“In any case the test was very positive.
“The defensive phase? All of our lads are already convinced that the opponents have to be pressed even when we're attacking.”
Sousa also discussed his glamorous but fragile striker Giuseppe Rossi, who will be hoping to finally spend a full season without injuries.
“He was excellent, and he'd like to play even more.
“I'm very happy and satisfied for him.
“We're giving him playing time, he played a longer spell against Benfica than he'd done against Paris Saint-Germain.
“He's clashing against players on the pitch and he's responding positively.
“[Mario] Suarez? He's a player with a lot of character and he'd already played with Borja [Valero], so he's integrating very well.
“He also showed a good understanding with [Milan] Badelj and went after the goal.
“We're developing in terms of intensity, not least thanks to opponents like these, who are very well organised.
“We'll have to keep up this level at the beginning of the championship.”