Viola skipper Manuel Pasqual met with the gathered media in the press room at the Centro Sportivo Cesare Benatti in Moena today. Here you can read a selection of the veteran full-back’s thoughts. On how Fiorentina are shaping up for the new campaign:
“There’s a lot of energy and buzz about the place. We had three fantastic years under Montella and maybe people on the outside didn’t quite realise the extent of it. Now we need to focus on kicking on with the new coach and his staff.” On Salah:
“Perhaps he should have checked if the signed document was valid. Sadly, as things stand, we’ve lost a player who had us all on the edge of our seats. I’m sure whoever comes in to replace him will do brilliantly.” On Paulo Sousa:
“I haven’t had the chance to get to know him that well yet but he seems to be frank and focused.” On Mario Gomez:
“Mario is important to us. He and Rossi are our first signings for the new season.” On his personal objectives:
“I’m setting out to prove myself, to lift some silverware with Fiorentina and earn my place in the Italy squad.” On Fiorentina’s up-and-coming youngsters:
“Zanon looks like a handy player and I think Bangu, Capezzi and Camporese will go a long way.” On other teams strengthening:
“Inter have spent big but none of the other clubs have done that much. Fiorentina? Let’s keep calm, The transfer window is open until the end of August.” On Federico Bernardeschi:
“My advice for him is to talk to the club and coach and ask them for advice.” On Mario Balotelli:
“He’s a tremendously talented player but that doesn’t mean he’s going to end up at Fiorentina.” ]]>