Vincenzo Montella wrote an open letter following his Fiorentina dismissal. “Mistakes were made, not just by us. It was clearly meant to be a transitional season, but it’s right that I act as lightning rod.”
The coach was sacked today after a 4-1 home defeat to Roma, as the Viola have only four wins, five draws and eight defeats in Serie A this term.
Vincenzo Montella wrote an open letter following his Fiorentina dismissal. “Mistakes were made, not just by us. It was clearly meant to be a transitional season, but it’s right that I act as lightning rod.”
The coach was sacked today after a 4-1 home defeat to Roma, as the Viola have only four wins, five draws and eight defeats in Serie A this term.
“There is so much to be said, but I prefer to look forward and tell you of my disappointment,” wrote Montella on his social media channels.
“Florence and Fiorentina fans deserve more. From everyone. There is no doubt about that. It’s a group of fans that will always have a place in my heart.
“Some mistakes were made. By me, by my staff, by the players. But probably not only by us. I would’ve liked a team with players ready to go at this level, a mixture of youth and talent, but the indication was to focus on ‘our’ youngsters and more experienced figures.
“Perhaps in light of that, nobody asked me anything, in fact I was never given an objective for the season: not by the owner, nor the directors.
“It was clear this was meant to be a transitional season. In these campaigns, there are highs and lows, which should be faced together.
“We were waiting for January so that we could revamp the squad, bring in a few players to raise the level of competition. The analysis of the problems was shared and done together. Because regardless of my presence, the problem was there and probably still will be.
“I would be a liar if I said it didn’t disappoint me to leave this journey midway through, because I am convinced that, with a few corrections, we would’ve done better in the second half of the season. This is evident from our performances when we did have a full squad available.
“I thank my staff, those who worked behind the scenes, but above all I thank the players, who followed me from start to finish and gave me everything they had. Real men, from the youngest to the oldest. Always.
“The regrets remain, but also the gratitude for those who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to sit on the Fiorentina bench.
“I wish the best to my successor, President Rocco Commisso – an extraordinary man – and Joe Barone – always available, fair and in love with Fiorentina – and to all the directors.
“It was right today that I should be the one to pay, to act as lightning rod. And that’s fine. I have broad shoulders, I can handle it.
“For the rest, I am sure that I’ll get back on my feet once again. As I always have done as a player, a coach, a man.
“Meanwhile, THANK YOU Fiorentina. I will always be on your side. Vincenzo Montella.”