«Being in this great company is a source of pride». Thus began the press conference presentation of Raffaele Palladino as the new coach of Fiorentina. Vincenzo Italiano’s successor spoke in the Viola Park press room, describing his vision of the Fiorentina to come, between the pitch, tactics and relationship with the club and the environment.
«Such harmony and empathy with the club»
Past, present and future, in the answers of the former Monza coach. «Fiorentina is a great club and Italiano was very good at creating a backbone. Thanks to the company: a journey has been made and must be continued. There is harmony and empathy with the club”, said Palladino, who confirmed that he had already spoken with all the members of the squad: “Because first I need to understand the human aspect, then that of the player. Having a relationship with them is fundamental.”
How Fiorentina will play: starting from the 3-man defence
In recent days one of the topics of discussion has been the module: «I am not a fundamentalist» underlined Palladino «and I don’t believe in just one gaming system, but in the principles of gaming. Fiorentina has players who can adapt: my idea is to start from a three-man defence, be it 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1, but Fiorentina comes from a path with 4-2-3-1 and we could use that too.”
The market: we need a striker
Then the market, first of all for the offensive department: «We know well where to put something, the attacker who scores goals, we know well that he determines. I don’t tell the club that I need that player, because we talk about the characteristics that are needed. I know well that attackers of a certain value have passed through Florence: we will try to do the best on the market.”
Palladino did not open up about the future of the three players whose contracts are expiring, that is Bonaventura, Castrovilli and Duncan: «Between now and June 30th we will make some evaluations, then you will know the decisions we have taken, together with the club, always for the good of Fiorentina», reiterating, on the transfers: «I don’t set any limits, the squad has a strong and solid structure ».
The viola restarts from Nico Gonzalez
There was no shortage of investiture on Nico Gonzalez: «For me he is a top player, a fantastic player who determines up front, I can’t wait to be able to coach him. For me, his position is as a right-wing attacking midfielder, with his foot inverted, but he can play under striker or on the other side.”
Highlights also on other singles, one above all Subtle: «He has everything to play at a high level, I have to be good at finding the right key with him: I take responsibility for that, obviously then it’s up to him, on the pitch, to demonstrate his value».
A harmony, the one with the club, which Palladino certified by speaking of the owner Rocco Commisso in this way: «His passion and ambition surprised me, this sports center is proof of this. I can’t wait to meet him, they tell me very well about him: a generous person, with great values.”
Ready for collection
Now the retreat – where Palladino explained that he will also carefully evaluate the many young people returning from loans – and the desire to do well: «Florence is a wonderful stage: two years ago I coached the Primavera and now I’m here, where I can play for the ‘Europe, in an ambitious club with fantastic fans. Being here is a dream, and I will give my all, working every single minute for this club.” The Palladino era has officially begun.
