Paulo Sousa confessed he “got the wrong line-up,” but was pleased with Fiorentina’s fightback against Empoli.
The Viola were 2-0 down at the break and it could’ve been considerably worse, but Nikola Kalinic came off the bench to bag a brace and seal the 2-2 draw.
“We are very satisfied with the comeback and the character shown by the team in the second half, the desire to win this game,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
Paulo Sousa confessed he “got the wrong line-up,” but was pleased with Fiorentina’s fightback against Empoli.
The Viola were 2-0 down at the break and it could’ve been considerably worse, but Nikola Kalinic came off the bench to bag a brace and seal the 2-2 draw.
“We are very satisfied with the comeback and the character shown by the team in the second half, the desire to win this game,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“Would I make the same decisions again? Absolutely not, which is why we rectified it over the break and indeed we did well in the second half.
“I believe in the quality of all my players and today many of the star figures struggled, which often happens after a break for international duty.”
The Viola are still top of the table, but on a par with Napoli, while Inter will go clear tonight if they beat Frosinone.
Sousa was asked whether he saw similarities between this Fiorentina side and the Juventus team he played in during the 1990s.
“When I chose this line of work, I promised myself I wouldn’t look to the past. My job is to analyse the players at my disposal, their tactical intelligence, and understand where I can improve them within my idea of football.
“Arriving at a new club I always try to understand the culture of the country, the city, the fans and aim to reflect those on the field.
“The determination and hunger we showed in the second half, mixed with the quality of football, reflects the culture that creates an ever clearer bond between us and the fans.”