Montella: Fiorentina have learned from Juventus mistakes

Date: 22nd April 2015 at 7:11pm
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Vincenzo Montella believes his Fiorentina team have come on leaps and bounds from the one which surrendered a similar Europa League position against Juventus last year.

Then, as now, the Viola picked up a good away draw on their travels with a 1-1 result from Turin in the last 16 but failed to make their advantage count in the second leg and exited the tournament.

“We just have to play our game. We have gained great experience from that game and the past but it is about preparation, both physically and mentally,” recalled Montella in his pre-game press conference.

“We want to do well in every competition we play in. The Coppa Italia did not go well and we have lost our way a little in the league. The Europa League is a competition we like and it is one that is difficult but we will keep fighting in it until the end.

“The outcome of this competition will not affect my future. I want to stay in Florence and I will remain here until I feel that I am not the right man to lead the club forward.”

The Scudetto winner, during his playing days with Roma, also took a swipe at his club’s supporters for their jeers directed at the team following Monday night’s 1-0 loss at home to Hellas Verona.

He continued: “We did not deserve to lose that and those who took to the field did their best. I do not accept the team being booed because the players have given so much throughout the season.

“The true fan always supports the team and I would like to see it being more like we are used to in the Europa League. We cannot wait to take to the field.”

Following his side’s fourth missed penalty of the season in that game, Montella hinted that Gonzalo Rodriguez will likely take over spot-kick duties against Dynamo if they are awarded one.

He also promised wholesale changes from the weakened team which played against the Mastini, admitting David Pizarro has recovered from injury but may not start due to concerns that the tie could go beyond 90 minutes.

 

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