Vanoli ‘An opportunity to improve’ for Fiorentina in Jagiellonia second leg
Paolo Vanoli insists that Fiorentina will have an opportunity to improve in the second leg of their Conference League play-off match against Jagiellonia on Thursday evening, despite carrying a 3-0 advantage after the first leg in Poland last week.
Vanoli previews Fiorentina vs. Jagiellonia second leg
Fiorentina will host Jagiellonia in the second leg of their Conference League play-off round tie on Thursday evening. The Viola already have one foot in the round of 16 after goals from Luca Ranieri, Rolando Mandragora and Roberto Piccoli gave them a 3-0 advantage away from home last week.
Despite being the clear favourites to qualify, Vanoli insists that there is still plenty of room for improvement for his Viola side.
“The most important thing is getting through the round, then the mentality of how we approach these sorts of games. We had an example against Polissya in the play-offs. I don’t want us to underestimate this game and at the same time we need continuity. Winning helps you win more,” Vanoli said during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“Every game is an opportunity to improve. Every team has its weaknesses, we have to improve and learn how to manage the final minutes better. Even against Pisa, Fazzo (Jacopo Fazzini) made a mistake towards the end and the opponents nearly equalised.”
Vanoli confirmed that Fiorentina are clear from injuries heading into the second leg of their Jagiellonia tie.
“Everyone will be available apart from those who aren’t on the squad list. We organised a friendly to give Rugani minutes,” he said.
And giving his assessment of the upcoming opposition, Vanoli said: “I like how our opponents play. They press well. Watching them gives me new ideas. To me, international matches help me understand the innovations in football.
“We played a great game in the first leg with a lot of focus, taking advantage of the opportunities they gave us. But they are well organised, they have a lot of good technical players and an interesting coach.”
Vanoli was asked whether Thursday’s game might be an opportunity to test some of Fiorentina’s youngsters given that they are the clear favourites to qualify with a 3-0 advantage ahead of kick-off.
He replied: “I come from a background in youth teams and I believe in them a lot. I proved that with Kouadio and Balbo.
“When I have time to watch the Primavera, I like to take some of the guys with me to help them understand what I want and why, and why I want the grown-ups to set an example in training. When there is a small opportunity, I like to bring them on. I don’t look at their age, but at the good for Fiorentina.”
Vanoli also gave his thoughts about the ‘underrated’ leagues around Europe and the improvement they have shown in UEFA competitions in recent years.
“I think we’re underestimating international football and certain leagues abroad,” Vanoli said. “Football is constantly changing all over the world. We have a league and a history which remains very difficult because the coaches are so well prepared, even if the league is no longer at the same level it used to be.
“But, many leagues are developing and surprising me. Sometimes there is a bit of ignorance and underestimation. Jagiellonia will not have that certain level of quality, but they will have a lot of organisation.
“The Premier League has improved through its coaches, technicians like Guardiola, Conte, Klopp; they have also benefitted their national team. For me, European matches are great experiences that help you grow. Tomorrow will be a game that helps us grow.”