Vincenzo Montella said Fiorentina’s 1-1 draw with PAOK “reflected” their season, even though they qualified.
Vincenzo Montella said Fiorentina’s 1-1 draw with PAOK “reflected” their season, even though they qualified.
The Viola scraped a Europa League point with Manuel Pasqual’s last-minute free kick after the Greek visitors had taken a shock lead with their only shot on target.
“Objectively I have to say our season so far is reflected in today’s game,” said an irritated Montella in his Press conference.
“We played with such great quality, but paid for lapses in concentration. I saw the harmony and relaxed enjoyment of football that I like, so we created many chances and if we had gone in front, it would’ve been a different game.
“We suffered a little at the start of the second half, but with Marin coming off the bench we improved. It’s difficult to create more scoring opportunities than this, so what we can improve on is the finishing.
“I’d be more worried if the team didn’t show that determination to avoid defeat at the end and in fact we pushed to the final whistle for a victory.”
It was only a point and Fiorentina conceded their first goal of the Europa League so far, but it does allow them to mathematically go through to the Round of 32.
“This draw is worth a great deal,” continued Montella. “PAOK proved themselves to be a compact squad with great character. They were worthy opponents in these two games.
“Rationally we should be happy, but I saw the team was disappointed, as they wanted to win.”
Mario Gomez made his first start of the season and forced numerous saves out of the Greek goalkeeper.
“I think we need to be objective and optimistic. We know he hasn’t trained consistently for a year and a half, so doesn’t have his habitual sharpness. I am optimistic because of the way I saw him play with the team. I expect more, but I have to be objective for the moment.
“Marin is not at his best in physical terms yet, but he can make the side more unpredictable, takes men on and has great vision. He tends to think more in terms of assists than goals, but he has many tactical alternatives if he and the team are in good shape.”