Paulo Sousa says he wants Fiorentina fans to ‘think about me for work done in Florence’ rather than his Juventus past.
When it emerged that the former Bianconeri midfielder was to be the club’s new Coach, some graffiti appeared in the city, decrying his connection to the Viola’s hated rivals.
“I’m someone who lives football,” Sousa explained as he was officially presented.
“I thank God every day that I get to do what I love.
Paulo Sousa says he wants Fiorentina fans to ‘think about me for work done in Florence’ rather than his Juventus past.
When it emerged that the former Bianconeri midfielder was to be the club’s new Coach, some graffiti appeared in the city, decrying his connection to the Viola’s hated rivals.
“I’m someone who lives football,” Sousa explained as he was officially presented.
“I thank God every day that I get to do what I love.
“I understand that some fans will remember me for my Juventus past, but I want you to start thinking about me for work done in Florence, and for achieving excellent results.
“I’m very happy about the trust Fiorentina have placed in me.
“I’ve always made it clear that I was the right Coach for this project, and I’ll do everything I can do repay that trust with the best results.
“From the start I’ve had great harmony with the Viola leadership. I saw in them characteristics similar to my own, huge ambition and a desire to do well.”
There has been speculation that winger Mohamed Salah, one of Fiorentina’s star men last season, could depart Artemio Franchi, but Sousa seems confident he’ll stay.
“He’s a player I’ve followed. I know him well, and he can make a difference for us.
“Mario Gomez? All the players are important and have a lot of quality. We know that, but now we have to understand which players fit in with my ideas of football and how I want to play.”