Fiorentina, Vanoli: “I’m not thinking about dismissal. Head to the Conference”

Paolo Vanoli and Nicolò Fagioli arrive in the conference room of the Stade de la Tuiliere in Lausanne an hour late due to a strike by air traffic controllers at Florence airport. A small hitch at the start of the away match could give Fiorentina direct qualification to the Conference League round of 16: a victory with many goals will be needed because the goal difference risks being a decisive factor. If things don’t go well, the Viola will play in the playoffs in February. Elimination is virtually impossible: a debacle in Lausanne accompanied by other combinations of results is needed. Our minds are more focused on Sunday’s match against Udinese, but this match also deserves a bit of concentration as it could free up Fiorentina’s calendar for the next three months.

vanoli

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The coach is under observation. This week will be decisive for him, but he doesn’t seem to suffer from the situation: “Only the good of Fiorentina counts. I don’t think about my future and it must take a back seat. The match in Lausanne is important even if it is natural that the championship is always in our minds. Against Verona we saw better things and five clear opportunities: we must be better at realizing them and also at avoiding conceding trivial goals. I control all the data and we have grown in many aspects. The results, however, have not arrived and that is It’s my responsibility. But I also have to convey positive feelings to the players because the improvements can be seen.” As for the formation, Vanoli doesn’t go too far: “I’m not a fundamentalist, anything is possible. Lausanne is struggling in the league, they play with a diamond in midfield, they bring a lot of players into the area. It will be a very difficult match even for the synthetic pitch.” Martinelli should be in goal, but Vanoli doesn’t confirm: “He’s very strong and has great prospects. But De Gea also has all the qualities to help us get out of the difficult moment. I’m spoiled for choice.”

beans

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The midfielder shows great optimism: “After the match two weeks ago we are off to a great start in terms of attitude. Against Verona we dominated even if things went badly. On Sunday I had my first good performance of the season and I hope to do more to help the team. The role doesn’t change anything: I like being both the director and the midfielder. The only thing that matters is Fiorentina’s result. We have to thank the fans because they have always been present, at home and away. We can all get out of this situation together without neglecting the Conference which is a wonderful competition. We must win against Lausanne also to seek direct qualification to the round of 16.”