Mauricio Pochettino sees a ‘Spanish Coach’ in Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Montella and the same football philosophy as Tottenham Hotspur.
The Premier League team will be determining their fate in the Europa League against Fiorentina tomorrow, ahead of their Capital One Cup Final against Chelsea on Sunday.
Spurs were the favourites going into the Round of 32 first leg, but their manager claims he expected the type of game that followed and resulted in a 1-1 draw.
Mauricio Pochettino sees a ‘Spanish Coach’ in Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Montella and the same football philosophy as Tottenham Hotspur.
The Premier League team will be determining their fate in the Europa League against Fiorentina tomorrow, ahead of their Capital One Cup Final against Chelsea on Sunday.
Spurs were the favourites going into the Round of 32 first leg, but their manager claims he expected the type of game that followed and resulted in a 1-1 draw.
“We were not surprised by Fiorentina's performance in the first round,” Pochettino has said in today's Press conference.
“We expected that kind of game and we were acquainted with their team.
“They have some excellent footballers and they play a very attractive type of football.
“Montella is almost like a Spanish Coach for his playing style.
“They resemble us, in terms of football philosophy.”
The Argentinean seemed especially exhilarated about playing the match in the Italian city.
“It's the first time that I come to Florence.
“As I tested the field and chatted with my staff we recalled the games of [former Viola striker Gabriel] Batistuta and other great Argentinean players.
“It's an honour to be here. We chose to stay in Florence and train here in Coverciano.
“It's important to get our strength back, sleep soundly and get ready for the [Capital One Cup] Final on Sunday [against Chelsea].
“English supporters are very respectful and they always behave well in Europe.
“Tomorrow they'll just enjoy the game.”
Pochettino was also questioned about his tactics, but he became more cryptic on the subject.
“I already have a starting XI in mind, but I would never say that before the match.
“The problem is that a decision can never be deemed good until the result warrants it.
“If I change players and I win on Sunday I'm a genius, otherwise I'm a loser.
“What matters most is keeping our lucidity. Tomorrow will be the first of our two finals.”