Vincenzo Montella felt Fiorentina “deserved the victory” in their stalemate with Roma. “I’m proud to be their Coach.”
Mario Gomez had put the Viola in front, but Adem Ljajic drew level after the restart in a 1-1 draw.
“The team gave everything, we put in a fine performance against a top level side that had a lot to play for,” Montella told Sky Sport Italia.
Vincenzo Montella felt Fiorentina “deserved the victory” in their stalemate with Roma. “I’m proud to be their Coach.”
Mario Gomez had put the Viola in front, but Adem Ljajic drew level after the restart in a 1-1 draw.
“The team gave everything, we put in a fine performance against a top level side that had a lot to play for,” Montella told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s acceptable to draw with Roma, even though I think in terms of consistency and intensity we deserved the victory.
“Gomez is finding the goal again, is certainly an important resource for us and can do a lot better. A centre-forward like Mario is fundamental for a side like ours. If I’m not wrong, we are the team with the most midfield possession and most crosses into the box.
“Mario doesn’t need to participate in the overall play, as his best work is done in the box by finishing off chances.”
It was pointed out to Montella that in previous weeks he had praised Gomez for participating in the game, so was that just a veiled criticism of his poor finishing?
“I can’t hide any more, can I?” laughed Montella.
“A Coach can only be happy when his team plays with the hunger, determination and intensity that Fiorentina had tonight. At times there can be a bit of bad luck or a slightly misplaced pass, but I am very proud and fortunate to be the Coach of these players.
“There are only a few regrets at those moments of the game, as we could’ve brought home a very important win.”
Somewhat inevitably, Fiorentina fell away in the second half, as they were so aggressive from the very start.
“Unfortunately for the type of football we played in the first half, you need to be physically fit and have good reserves of mental energy too. For most of the match we played on a par with Roma and I think over the course of the game probably deserved a little more.
“If you want to press opponents high up the field, it’s easier to do it with very attacking players who are prepared to work very hard, for example Joaquin.
“We are a team who generally need to keep the ball and play good football, as we don’t just sit back and go on the counter. It doesn’t suit us.”