Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has expressed his anger over the rumours ‘invented’ by the press about the future of striker Mario Gomez.
Comments made by Montella after last week’s victory over Palermo hinted at his disappointment in the impact made by the German international since his transfer last summer leading to speculation he could be sold during the transfer window.
However, in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit to Chievo, the coach claimed that the rumours are completely fabricated.
“You have created a case,” he told the press.
“I say this with great regret. I am very angry towards the professionalism of journalists. There were no misinterpretations, the words were just invented.”
The 40-year-old was also asked about his intentions in the January transfer window, with speculation linking the likes of Blerim Dzemaili, Victor Wanyama and Juraj Kucka with the Viola.
“The club knows very well my thoughts and knows what to do. But I will work with the players at my disposal.”
Fiorentina had a disappointing start to the season but have managed to climb up to 6th in Serie A after a mini-revival in the past few months, but the former Catania boss insists there is still room for improvement.
“We have had a good continuity [recently], there is a great willingness on the part of the group, more than before.
“We want to do more, this is true. We want to and we can do, there is a lot of room for improvement also individually.
“There is greater competition; the teams are much closer than last year. It is much more difficult both for us and for the opposition.
The Viola take on Chievo at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday afternoon, and confirmed that goalkeeper Norberto Neto will again miss out after not having featured since the winter break.
“Neto is not yet in the squad, but since yesterday [Friday] is back in training. [Mounir] El Hamdaoui has had some problems and [Marko] Marin had an attack of fever.
“[Chievo] are used to fighting for safety and are currently in good form.”
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