Montella: Selling Cuadrado was the right thing to do

Date: 30th January 2015 at 7:51pm
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Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has stated that selling midfielder Juan Cuadrado to English Premier League side Chelsea was the right thing to do.

The Colombian international is close to finalising a €33 million move to the Blues, with winger Mohamed Salah heading in the other direction, and Montella went on to say that the club had to sell Cuadrado.

“I like to be honest, we had to sell Cuadrado,” he said. “Of course as a coach it is a loss, but if the offer is that large then selling Cuadrado was the right thing to do.

“Hopefully, we will find a player to take his place, at the same time we need to find a deputy to Joaquin, a role Salah cannot play.

“However, this is a situation that should not distract us.”

Montella then went on to say that he is happy for Cuadrado as well as saying that Serie A has lost appeal.

“I won’t specify my transfer targets, but I want a top player who can play as a second striker,” he said.

“Cuadrado always played with a smile on his face and gave everything to Fiorentina; I’m happy for him because he’s going to play for a great side.

“Serie A has lost appeal, it is a fact; players would rather head to other leagues, we need to regain our place.”

The former Roma went on to speak about the game against Genoa and his side’s preparations for the game, saying that new signings Alberto Gilardino and Alessandro Diamanti are ready to play.

“We know what Genoa are capable of doing,” he said. “We have to control the game.

“Genoa are a very physical side that can run a lot, they can exploit any space left by their opponents.

“[Milan] Badelj has resumed training but still hasn’t reached full fitness, whilst [Alberto] Aquilani hasn’t yet recovered from injury.

“Diamanti and Gilardino? They know Serie A well, they’re ready to take the field.

“[Khouma] Babacar and [Mario] Gomez up front? It depends on the game.”

The Viola boss also said that he will revaluate the list of players included in the UEFA Europa League squad.

“There are players that deserve to be included, which is why I will revaluate the roster soon.”

Fiorentina currently sit sixth place in the Serie A table, five points behind third-placed Napoli.

 

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