Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino expressed his disappointment following the team’s 3-3 draw against Puskas Akademia in the first leg of their Conference League playoff match. Despite goals from Sottil, Martinez Quarta, and Kean, the Italian side was unable to secure a victory.
In his post-match interview with Sky Sport, Palladino didn’t mince words about the team’s performance:
“It was a terrible start, inexplicable. Mentally and technically, I saw serious errors that I don’t even see in training. We went down 2-0 but stayed in the game. In the second half, however, I liked the attitude, and we got back into the match and turned it around. The regret is conceding a goal from a set piece. It’s unacceptable to concede a goal like that.”
Addressing the team’s fitness levels, Palladino explained:
“We have a team under construction. Many players arrived late, and I’ve had little time to work with them. Puskas was more prepared, but that’s not an excuse. I ask more from the players and for the club to help me. We knew it would be difficult at the beginning. We’re missing something in defense and on the wings, but the club is working hard. I’m sure we’ll have a complete squad by August 30th.”
When asked about Kean’s performance, Palladino shifted focus to the team as a whole:
“I don’t think it depends on a single player. Those who came on gave a strong push to the team, showing initiative and hunger. I want to see this attitude from everyone. I’ll know how to talk to the team, especially those who didn’t impress me.”
Palladino concluded on a somewhat positive note:
“It’s not all to be thrown away; we must also look at the glass as half full. The team’s reaction was there, but there’s regret for the third goal conceded.”
