Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella claims that Juan Cuadrado is not yet ready for the start of the season and admits that he is still open to bringing in more players to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The Viola coach spoke to the media after last Friday’s 2-0 friendly win over Lucchese, addressing subjects such as the game, potential tactics for the new season and possible new recruits.
“The tests are there every day,” he told Firenzeviola.it. “It is certainly not this game [Lucchese] that gives us a proper indication of where we are.”
“I am not in favour to these types of commitments; there was a pact between the clubs.”
The 40-year-old said that Cuadrado, who returned for pre-season later than his teammates due to his World Cup commitments with Colombia, is not yet ready for the new season.
“Cuadrado arrived back after the rest of the players but there is still time for him to find his fitness.”
It has also been suggested that Montella could opt to field the former Udinese man in a trequartista position just behind the centre-forwards.
“I would like to try that, yes, it is a suggestion. But he is still not ready. H did well last year as a second striker.”
New signing Joshua Brillante is a player who has impressed over the summer leading to speculation he could be in line to make his Serie A debut next week.
“He is growing, [Alberto] Aquilani played from midfield often, however, I hope to have [David] Pizarro back for the Roma game. Or maybe someone will come from the market…”
“Our ideas for the market are clear. You also need to see what the market offers.”
One player who has already joined the Viola this summer is Marko Marin on loan from Chelsea, and Montella is pleased with his new recruit.
“We took him also because he is of a certain stature. The past two years he has not delivered his potential, he is a talented player. The aim is for us to see him at those levels.”
Another player who has worked his way into the coach’s thoughts is Cristiano Piccini, now back in Florence after spending three years away from the club on various loan deals.
“He had a very good pre-season. Nowadays they have three right-backs, so we hope to add further.”
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