Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero spoke to the media this afternoon as he appeared at a press conference at the Centro Sportivo Benatti. The Spaniard was first asked about new boss Paulo Sousa’s praise of him: “I’d like to thank the coach for the compliment, but we’re only at the start of a new season and I still need to prove my worth. There will certainly be some differences between him and Montella and I’m sure my role will change slightly.” There was also a word on former coach Montella’s departure: “We were all a bit surprised, but that’s football and you have to get used to it. Now we have to give 100% for the new boss. It’ll be tough to improve on our finish last season, but we have a new coach with new ideas and we’re desperate to perform well.” Borja Valero then spoke about some individual players: “I’m not sure what Mario Gomez will do. He’s very reserved and doesn’t say much. Rossi is a great guy, when he’s on the pitch he’s always smiling and that’s fantastic for the group. We also have some good young players and now is the time for them to catch the eye and take their chance. Matias Vecino did very well at Empoli last season.” Asked about his own motivations for the coming season, the midfielder replied: “I’ve up for it, don’t forget I signed a new five-year contract last season. We’re a united group – I believe that people show the best of themselves in the tough moments. The group really stuck together during the difficult weeks.”
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