Montella: ‘Fans lacked respect’

Vincenzo Montella slammed fans for jeering Fiorentina after going out of the Europa League to Sevilla. “The team deserves respect.”

The Viola were not only unable to overturn a 3-0 first leg defeat, but also fell 2-0 at home and Josip Ilicic ballooned a penalty over the bar.

“We certainly weren’t fortunate over the two legs, as Sevilla scored almost 100 per cent of their chances and we got 0 per cent,” the Coach told Sport Mediaset.

Vincenzo Montella slammed fans for jeering Fiorentina after going out of the Europa League to Sevilla. “The team deserves respect.”

The Viola were not only unable to overturn a 3-0 first leg defeat, but also fell 2-0 at home and Josip Ilicic ballooned a penalty over the bar.

“We certainly weren’t fortunate over the two legs, as Sevilla scored almost 100 per cent of their chances and we got 0 per cent,” the Coach told Sport Mediaset.

“I thought Fiorentina tried to play and score right to the final whistle, even though qualification was clearly out of reach, so they deserve more respect than they received.

“Considering the efforts, the results so far all season, I don’t think this side deserved jeers. I think my team deserves more respect than they are getting at this moment from the crowd. They do not deserve to be derided by their own fans.

“Perhaps this proved the Fiorentina fans in the stadium tonight do not understand their dimension in the football world. It’s a shame.”

Montella was asked whether he will stay at the club next term, particularly after this protest against the fans.

“I have a contract, we’ll evaluate everything at the end of the season. The club may well even decide not to confirm me on the bench, if they are not satisfied. The club has known my thoughts for three months now.

“With the resources at our disposal, I think we achieved slightly more than we were really capable of this season.

“I hope to continue with players and indeed men of this character, plus for Fiorentina to have them in future.”