Vincenzo Montella said Fiorentina “are just as motivated as I am” to shake off problems against Verona.
It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Vincenzo Montella said Fiorentina “are just as motivated as I am” to shake off problems against Verona.
It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“The team is just as motivated as I am, with hunger, confidence and a great deal of determination,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“There is cohesion and we want to recover from this difficult moment. We are fired up. This is an important match to test our ambitions. Proving ourselves a great squad amid difficulties has to motivate us even further.
“Verona know how to hurt opponents with their characteristics. We must do well to contain them.
“I haven’t read the criticism, but it is to be accepted. I have grown as a Coach in this period, because my mind has been focused on what to do in order to emerge from this moment.
“The fans behind the bench shouting things are always the same ones, so next time they should tell me what I’m doing wrong beforehand. It’s too easy to criticise after the fact!”
Montella pledged Mario Gomez will play tomorrow, but “we’ll see for how long. He is in great shape, better than I’d ever seen him before. He is one of those strong representatives who can haul the team up the table.
“Can Gomez play with Babacar? Mario has different characteristics, while Babacar can play as a winger only in some circumstances, as he doesn’t have the mental stamina to go all the way up and down the flank.
“Babacar is doing great things and can become a champion, but he needs to improve on the details. It’s a long journey and he needs to prove to himself he can truly become a great player.”
Montella was also asked about Italy Coach Antonio Conte’s complaints that clubs should be more co-operative with the Azzurri, setting up a round table meeting with Serie A, B and Lega Pro tacticians.
“I have a great rapport with Antonio, as I respect him both as a Coach and a person. His frustration is understandable and I am open to any meeting.
“Of course, nobody will be able to tell me how to play my teams. It’s an interesting idea, although I don’t understand quite what he is asking of the club Coaches.”