Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has insisted that his players are “angry” about their recent run of poor results.
Fiorentina lost their third consecutive game on Saturday, suffering a 1-0 home defeat to Lecce, but Montella has been encouraged by the response of his players to the result.
“We have so much anger in ourselves, I also saw it on Saturday during the game. We want to play with heart and quality, but we have to be less frenetic,” he said at a press conference.
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has insisted that his players are “angry” about their recent run of poor results.
Fiorentina lost their third consecutive game on Saturday, suffering a 1-0 home defeat to Lecce, but Montella has been encouraged by the response of his players to the result.
“We have so much anger in ourselves, I also saw it on Saturday during the game. We want to play with heart and quality, but we have to be less frenetic,” he said at a press conference.
“We knew that we could get through difficult moments, but we have to do it with more lucidity. We have many young players, 14 under the age of 23, and we have to give the younger lads courage.”
The Viola face Cittadella in the Coppa Italia fourth round tomorrow, and the 45-year-old wants progression at all costs.
“We want to get through to the next round at all costs. We are facing a side who are doing good things in Serie B and have a good squad.
“They’ve been playing with the same coach for years, so we have to demonstrate the same temperament that we showed on Saturday [against Lecce].”
Franck Ribery, Federico Chiesa and German Pezzella have been missing of late, so how have their absences affected the squad?
“They are three important players. This season we have played without Franck [Ribery] for five games.
“They are the heart, leaders and cornerstones of the side on the pitch. They’re difficult to replace.”
Dusan Vlahovic failed to score in the absence of Chiesa and Ribery but played well enough to earn praise from his coach.
“He is a very strong player, considering that in the last three games he had the weight of our attack on his shoulders.
“He must not come under pressure. He has great responsibility right now, but he must know that we all support him.”
Rocco Commisso seems to be supporting Montella during this difficult spell, and he appreciates the backing of his President.
“The words of the President are appreciated. I thank him because he’s supported the team and taken responsibility. Not everyone in football is like this today. “
The winner of tomorrow's game will play Atalanta in the last 16.