Paulo Sousa has defended his team selections ahead of Fiorentina’s match against Qarabag in the Europa League. “I assume the fans are always right…”

The likes of Mauro Zarate and Hernan Toledo have yet to kick a ball this season, despite Fiorentina scoring just five goals in their opening six games, but Sousa hinted the pair had not yet proved they were befitting of first-team opportunities.

Paulo Sousa has defended his team selections ahead of Fiorentina’s match against Qarabag in the Europa League. “I assume the fans are always right…”

The likes of Mauro Zarate and Hernan Toledo have yet to kick a ball this season, despite Fiorentina scoring just five goals in their opening six games, but Sousa hinted the pair had not yet proved they were befitting of first-team opportunities.

“We’ve started well in this competition, in terms of the attitude and spirit that we showed in Thessaloniki, in a difficult atmosphere and at a pitch that wasn’t perfect,” the Coach began at a Press conference for Thursday’s match.

“We deserved the win, it didn’t arrive but we’re growing and we must continue like this. All we need to improve is our finishing.

“Tomorrow I want to see the same attitude against a team that have international experience.

“The problem of goals? We’re working to promote the use of crosses. We’re trying to create alternatives, both in our game and shape, making different choices to last year.

“Why I don’t put in Zarate, Toledo or others? I’m assuming that the fans are always right.

“I try to improve all the players and keep everyone in consideration, then it’s up to them to show me they can give me the guarantees I need, with their attitude and work.

“We want to exploit the players’ characteristics for the good of the team. We talked about Sanchez and the importance he’s showed in breaking up play and our game.

“Zarate? It’s not just a question of selfishness, but also wanting to be a protagonist. Before the holidays, we spoke.

“He’s a player who can make a difference. For me, I try to play everyone who has the desire and right attitude, in addition to technical and tactical qualities.

“I want competition in the squad to be strong, and I see our rotation with the view of involving everyone.

“For me, Mauro’s equal to Gonzalo and Borja, which are the two captains, I make choices based on what I see.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector