Here’s what Paulo Sousa had to say in his post-match press conference after Fiorentina v Barcelona. “We played well and we’ll keep on working to improve. We need to defend better in all areas of the pitch.” What does this game tell us?
“I know my players’ attributes and our playing style is clear. Our individual talents will be put to the use of the team.”

Will there be any more signings?
“The club knows exactly what needs to be done. We know this game means little and we have to keep on working to improve further.” Which teams do you see as ahead of Fiorentina for the coming season?
“I’m sure we’ll put in the graft every day to give this city the results they want.” Bernardeschi?
“He’s an important player for us, as they all are. He works extremely hard in training.” Astori?
“He’s the sort of player that I like a lot.” “Roncaglia?
“I always aim to improve the players I have available to me and he has a lot to offer this team.” Slow centre-backs?
“If we keep possession that won’t be a problem. Barcelona found it hard to contain us when we won the ball back. We need to defend as a whole team.” What did you like about your side?
“The character and determination we showed, and the way we held our shape.”   ]]>

On his arrival at Fiorentina: “I’m very pleased to be a Fiorentina player. As soon as they showed an interest in me this summer I was convinced that I wanted to come here. I like the team and its style of play. I spoke with Borja Valero, having already played with him at Mallorca, and he had nothing but good things to say about the city and the club.” On his new team-mates: “I think we have a good team but we can always get better. The coach’s ideas are great and I think we can have a fantastic season. I’m here to do as much as I can to help Fiorentina achieve its targets.” On his characteristics as a player: “The best way of showing my characteristics will be to demonstrate them on the field. I can play in front of the defence, alongside another midfield pivot – whatever the coach wants. I can assure you that I’ll bring plenty of hard work and motivation. I’ll give everything on the pitch for Fiorentina.” On why he was keen to test himself in Italian football: “I think my cycle in Spain had come to an end. I’d won everything there is to win there. I wanted a new challenge and Fiorentina provided me with that. I’m very excited and think we can achieve big things together.” On his international ambitions: “Well, I had a good run in and around the national setup when I was in Spain. My main target is to earn myself a starting berth here at Fiorentina and achieve some consistency, but of course I want to be involved with the Spanish national side as it’s a European Championships year. I know it’ll be tough but I will give everything I have to work my way back into the side.” On what he can bring to the team: “Fiorentina have played some great football over the last few years. We have to maintain that and the coach has some very good ideas to that effect. He is encouraging us to try and keep the ball and then win it back quickly when we lose it by putting pressure on the opposition. We have to be competitive in every game and ensure we’re hard to beat. We need to work hard to implement the coach’s ideas and we are all determined to do that.” On the Viola faithful: “I’ve heard great things about the Fiorentina fans. When we play at home they’ll be like our twelfth man. It’s very important for us to have their support.” On the current crop of Fiorentina youngsters: “I think we have a good mix of established players and young prospects, such as Bernardeschi and Babacar. They put 100% into every training session, I’ve been very impressed by them. It’s important that the young players provide competition for the older heads. Giuseppe Rossi is a world-class player in my opinion. He’s working very well and improving every day. He’s a key player for us.”
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