Beppe Iachini assured he is the right man to turn Fiorentina's season around and is already working with Federico Chiesa, who gave up vacation time for the new coach.
The former Sassuolo and Empoli boss was given the job after Vincenzo Montella’s dismissal and takes over a Viola side that is only three points clear of the relegation zone.
Beppe Iachini assured he is the right man to turn Fiorentina's season around and is already working with Federico Chiesa, who gave up vacation time for the new coach.
The former Sassuolo and Empoli boss was given the job after Vincenzo Montella’s dismissal and takes over a Viola side that is only three points clear of the relegation zone.
“I met with President Rocco Commisso, who said he could see himself in me. I thank him and all the directors, while I also salute Montella, wishing him all the best for the future,” said Iachini in his presentation press conference.
“I am very happy to have returned to my second home, as I have many wonderful memories of my time here as a player. I came back to repay that fond rapport that remained over the years, even when I was an opponent.
“I want to transmit all my passion to the players, so we’ll have an organised team, but above all one with the spirit that’ll allow us to honour the Fiorentina jersey in every arena. It’s a tougher situation than anyone anticipated, but we’re ready to roll our sleeves up and turn this around.
“I know that I bring grit, but also organisation and the right mentality. We’ll try to understand why this side is having so many problems. I don’t know have a magic wand, but I get the idea they struggled with the pressure.”
Chiesa has flopped so far this season, perhaps because he is continually changing position.
“I am not a tactical fundamentalist, so any system depends on the characteristics of the players. I spoke to Chiesa at Christmas, watched all the games and he spent several days on the training ground with me, agreeing to give up on his vacation. He’s a good lad who is eager to do what is best for Fiorentina.
“I phoned all the players individually to wish them a Merry Christmas and present the new working schedule. They all have qualities that haven’t been fully expressed.
“I am used to these situations. I took over Sassuolo in penultimate place and we finished 11th that season, while I saved Empoli after revolutionising the squad on a tactical level.”
The Viola only escaped relegation on the final day of last season and are back in a similar position already.
“I don’t set targets, we have to take it one game at a time. If we achieve safety, then we can try to push on, but the important thing right now is to figure out what ails Fiorentina and how we can find a cure. We want to get Fiorentina back to where this club belongs.”