Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero says Coach Paulo Sousa “has much more character” than Vincenzo Montella.
The Viola fired Montella this summer, replacing him with the former Juventus midfielder, who has taken them to the top of Serie A.
“We’re more practical now,” Valero explained, speaking to El Pais.
“Maybe on a couple of occasions we’ve played worse than in recent years, but we’re more compact in defence, so our opponents have often had problems creating chances and scoring against us.
Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero says Coach Paulo Sousa “has much more character” than Vincenzo Montella.
The Viola fired Montella this summer, replacing him with the former Juventus midfielder, who has taken them to the top of Serie A.
“We’re more practical now,” Valero explained, speaking to El Pais.
“Maybe on a couple of occasions we’ve played worse than in recent years, but we’re more compact in defence, so our opponents have often had problems creating chances and scoring against us.
“He [Sousa] wants us to win and play with the ball. Compared to Montella, I think Sousa has much more character, he’ll say anything to anyone, to their face, at any time.
“In the dressing room he always tells us to believe in ourselves, that we’re strong and we can beat anyone.”
The Spaniard also spoke about being top of the League, a position Fiorentina had not occupied since 1999.
“It’s beautiful, the people of Florence are very happy right now. I think it’s right that we enjoy it.”
Finally, the midfielder discussed some of his teammates, and has a particular connection with Nikola Kalinic.
“Mario Saurez? He’s a player who has always played to win in recent years,” said Valero.
“He’s a big figure in the dressing room, because he always makes us laugh.
“Kalinic? I’m enchanted by him, he’s a striker who moves a lot. That’s ideal for a midfielder who likes to prove assists.”