Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella promises ‘enthusiasm’ and ‘reverence’ against Tottenham Hotspur, but warns against getting carried away.
The Viola face off against their English opponents tomorrow evening at White Hart Lane, with their Coach discussing his psychological strategy going into the Europa League Round of 32 first leg.
“It's important for us to go in with enthusiasm, not with euphoria,” said l'Aeroplanino.
“We'll have to show reverence, but not fear against such a great team.
Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella promises ‘enthusiasm’ and ‘reverence’ against Tottenham Hotspur, but warns against getting carried away.
The Viola face off against their English opponents tomorrow evening at White Hart Lane, with their Coach discussing his psychological strategy going into the Europa League Round of 32 first leg.
“It's important for us to go in with enthusiasm, not with euphoria,” said l'Aeroplanino.
“We'll have to show reverence, but not fear against such a great team.
“We must be ready from a tactical point of view, but our psychological preparation will be just as fundamental.
“We'll be up against a strong team and we'll be playing in a stadium I'm not familiar with.
“I don't know if it's the most important match for me, as I have coached in the Champions League too.
“We want to win and progress in this competition, and tomorrow's game will give us excitement and experience.
“We'll be respectful of the referee's decisions without being intimidated by him.”
The former Roma poacher was asked what he thought of his opponents, and his response seemed highly deferential.
“Tottenham bring together the Spanish and the English style, as [their Coach Mauricio] Pochettino would say.
“They're good with possession, but they're also accustomed to high-speed counters. We'll be facing a well-rounded team.
“We know we have to bring certain characteristics to the game if we want to play on an equal footing.
“We must play well and show a touch of courage, but not at the expense of humility.
“What does Fiorentina have over Tottenham? I'd be hard-pressed to say…”
Montella was also questioned about the much-discussed sale of Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea in January.
“Well, what a deal for us that was!” he joked. “We lost a great player, true, but we sold him to an important club, so we take some professional pride in that.
“[Market replacement Mohamed] Salah is a player of an international level who proved he has the skill it takes to adapt to our football.
“As for [goalkeeper Ciprian] Tatarusanu, we'll see how he's feeling today, he has a bit of physical trouble but we're covered in that role.
“If he can't make it then Neto will play. He is a true professional.
“The choice against fielding him in the championship has changed since a month ago.”
The former Giallorossi Coach was sent off against Tottenham in February 2007, back when he was playing on loan for Fulham.
“I hit an opponent with an elbow, but there was no maliciousness in the gesture.
“Back then referees used to be more stringent.”