Vincenzo Montella warned Fiorentina “aren’t qualified yet” after their 2-1 away win over Grasshopper.
Vincenzo Montella warned Fiorentina “aren’t qualified yet” after their 2-1 away win over Grasshopper.
Juan Cuadrado and Mario Gomez netted in the first leg of the Europa League play-off this evening in Zurich.
“I had no doubts that this team would be ready with the right approach for a game like this,” Coach Montella told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was unthinkable that we could all be at peak fitness right now and we could’ve finished the game off earlier, but the 2-1 result is good.
“Grasshopper are dangerous on the counter-attack and it’s all still open, so we’re not qualified yet. We did well and are satisfied with the performance.
“This team can still improve and many of the lads have to grow, both in terms of fitness levels and their integration into the squad. For example, Cuadrado is very good, but I want him to be perfect.
“Giuseppe Rossi did well in attack and Gomez is always present in the box, though he can do better. We are on the right path.”
Adem Ljajic played as a substitute just hours after President Andrea Della Valle stated “there’s not much chance” he will stay at Fiorentina.
Unlike in previous years, he will not be cup-tied thanks to this appearance, as UEFA have now separated the play-offs from the group phase of their competitions.
It means if Fiorentina were to qualify for the Europa League, Ljajic could still play in Europe for Milan, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool or any of the other clubs interested in signing him.