Pioli: ‘Fiorentina much more united than people think’

Stefano Pioli insists Fiorentina ‘are much more united than people outside might think’ ahead of their Conference League game with Rapid Vienna.

It kicks off in Vienna on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).

The only victories achieved by the Viola so far this season have been in the Conference League, first in the preliminary round against Polissya, then beating Sigma Olomouc 2-0 for the opening fixture of the group phase.

Elsewhere has been disastrous, managing only three draws from seven Serie A games, although the club was adamant it would continue to support him after Sunday’s controversial defeat to Milan.

“This is only the second game of the competition, so we want to do well and set aside the delicate Serie A moment to focus on doing as well as possible in Europe,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

“The results are negative and can affect the evaluation of everything else. I still believe the recent performances have been good, but it’s up to us now to do something extra. This team has quality and works hard.”

Pioli also rejected the suggestion that there is tension within the Fiorentina locker room when speaking in his press conference.

“The team is well aware of the situation and united to emerge from it. We have to look to our strengths and get over this moment. We are much more united than people outside might think,” added the coach.

“For example, we conceded the equaliser against Milan when we were down to 10 men, these are situations where you must be able to sense danger and give something extra. Instead, we did the bare minimum.

“We need to be more of a team during difficult moments, pay more attention and be ready to step up to cover someone else when needed.”

There have been reports that some of the Fiorentina old guard players met with Pioli separately.

“I don’t deny that, but if a player goes to say something to the coach, am I supposed to say no? We are united, but words don’t matter now, what we need are results and hopefully they can soon be what we all expected.

“Criticism is natural, we are bottom of the Serie A table, but it’s also not fair to go looking for some other reasoning behind it. I wish some would evaluate entire performances and not just results. I believe in my players.”

Pioli confirmed that David De Gea will start in goal for the Conference League.