Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino tried to smooth over the controversy from Paulo Sousa’s words on Federico Bernardeschi.
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Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino tried to smooth over the controversy from Paulo Sousa’s words on Federico Bernardeschi.
The Viola host PAOK, it kicks off at 18.00 GMT, follow all today’s Italian competitors in the Europa League on the LIVEBLOG.
“I was hoping to focus on Fiorentina’s fine form, the great victory over Empoli and how a win tonight can secure top spot in the group when qualifying,” Corvino told Sky Sport Italia.
Naturally, Corvino was asked about the controversy sparked yesterday when Sousa said Bernardeschi belonged at a “more ambitious” club than Fiorentina.
“Paulo as Coach and I as director of sport have a history, but we have to take into account that we are at a city with very ambitious fans.
“Having said that, I must also note that in using those words, Sousa wanted to give a different meaning. Bernardeschi is a product of our youth academy, like Federico Chiesa, Khouma Babacar, Luca Lezzerini and other Serie A players.
“Bernardeschi said he’d like to end his career with us and we’d like that too. If only we had another 10 Bernardeschis to achieve our dreams.”
This isn’t the first time Sousa has commented that Fiorentina are not “dreaming” of ambitious targets, so is he ready to walk away when his contract expires?
“Fiorentina are focusing on the present, but also the future with Sousa and we are taking into account that we have an option, so there’s no need to rush things for the contract. An option has to be agreed by two parties, so if there isn’t agreement, then the option is irrelevant.
“The option expires in April, we have shown our faith in Sousa and the journey continues through moments where we can all share our opinions.
“We are an ambitious club, will try to keep Bernardeschi and want to be ambitious on the pitch as well as with our words.”