Fiorentina head coach Raffaele Palladino held a press conference two days before the team’s upcoming match against Lazio in Rome. The manager addressed various topics, including recent team performance, locker room dynamics, and transfer market activities.
Palladino began by analysing the recent match against Torino, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement. “We were in control during the first half, with many opportunities to double our lead. In the second half, we’ve analysed what went wrong. Torino played many long balls and scored due to our lack of attention. The team knows we should have reacted differently. We needed something more. There’s a bit of regret, but we’ve moved on, and it will help us grow. At this moment, it’s the victory that we’re missing, and we’ll try for it immediately.”
Addressing rumours about team unity, Palladino strongly refuted any claims of discord. “The unity in the locker room has never been lacking. The dinner was wanted by everyone, not to silence the voices, which are totally false. We’re doing well together and care for each other. We’re all rowing in the same direction. Our eight consecutive victories after the difficult start demonstrate this. The team has shown that it can rise when needed.”
Regarding the upcoming match against Lazio, Palladino cautioned against putting too much pressure on the team. “Talking about a decisive match is too much. We shouldn’t put too much pressure on the boys. The game is important for everyone, we care about breaking this trend, but it’s not decisive. Lazio is in good health and has a good coach. We’ve watched them yesterday and in recent days, we’re prepared.”
The coach also provided updates on player conditions, including Cataldi, Colpani, and Comuzzo. He emphasized the need to support young players like Colpani, who feels a lot of responsibility. “I told him he needs to be more relaxed. He feels he always has to do better, sometimes he succeeds, sometimes not. We need to help these boys.”
Palladino addressed the team’s current form, stressing the importance of maintaining balance. “We weren’t poor in September, we aren’t now, and we weren’t phenomenal in November.” He praised the team’s hard work and dedication, asking for criticism to be directed at him rather than the players.
On the transfer market, Palladino expressed satisfaction with the acquisition of Folorunsho and hope for quick conclusions to ongoing negotiations. “We needed a player like Folorunsho, a missing piece. The club immediately activated to cover that position. The January market is different. But I know the club is working with open negotiations, I hope they close as quickly as possible.”
The coach also commented on the team’s Champions League aspirations, noting the balanced and peculiar nature of the current championship. He emphasized the need for improvement and making the right moves in the transfer market.
Addressing recent criticism and fan reactions, Palladino said, “We accept the whistles, as well as the criticism: they must make us grow. We must react when needed. It’s about how many times you get up, not how many times you fall.”
In conclusion, Palladino called for a balanced perspective on the team’s performance. “We need to find balance and magic again. We must be more consistent, trying to grow in terms of mentality. Even criticism makes us grow. We’ll remember this period when we start winning again.”
