Former director Eduardo Macia believes Fiorentina will struggle to keep developing as the gap with Juventus, Roma and Napoli is just too wide.
The Spaniard he might have stayed with the Viola rather than heading out to Betis Sevilla, as he revealed in an interview with La Repubblica, but there was a difference in vision.
“The club chose to set themselves up in a way that was no longer compatible with my ideas,” said Macia. “But there were no disagreements with [Coach Vincenzo] Montella, he confirmed that too.
Former director Eduardo Macia believes Fiorentina will struggle to keep developing as the gap with Juventus, Roma and Napoli is just too wide.
The Spaniard he might have stayed with the Viola rather than heading out to Betis Sevilla, as he revealed in an interview with La Repubblica, but there was a difference in vision.
“The club chose to set themselves up in a way that was no longer compatible with my ideas,” said Macia. “But there were no disagreements with [Coach Vincenzo] Montella, he confirmed that too.
“In fact we thought alike, we could spend hours sitting down and exchanging ideas. He is very ambitious and we'll have to see whether his club can keep up with him.
“This is a very delicate moment for the Viola: they are running at 110 per cent. The glass is completely full. Either they find a larger glass to pour more water in – but that would require very substantial investments – or they have to keep the same constant level.
“It won't be easy. Juventus, Roma and Napoli have revenues that are so much greater. Planning ahead can take you to a certain point, but after that things get hard.
“For my own part, I can say it was an honour to work here. I experienced the city, I listened to it and I understood what it needs.
“Florence wants midfielders like Borja Valero, defenders like Gonzalo Rodriguez, wingers like Joaquin. You can't build a team without taking into account what it stands for.
“I have no regrets, though a few moves didn't work out. Last summer we came very close to [Jeremy] Menez, and buying Fernando would have important.”
Finally, Macia had a criticism directed to Italian football in general.
“If I want [Torino's Matteo] Darmian and they ask for €15m, I can't buy him. Italian football is 20 years behind.
“You can build talents at home, but you need your B teams for that. You can sell them later if you choose, but their debut has to be in Serie A, with your own colours. This was one of the battles I fought, but I lost it.”