Fiorentina coach Vanoli urges focus ahead of Lausanne clash

Paolo Vanoli urged Fiorentina to focus on the present as they prepare for Thursday night’s Conference League clash away to Lausanne, while acknowledging the growing pressure surrounding results and supporter unrest.

Speaking at the Stade de la Tuilière, with quotes via FirenzeViola, the Viola coach dismissed the idea that he is wedded to a single tactical system, despite sticking with his current set-up in recent weeks. “I keep repeating myself, I’m not an ideologue and everything is possible,” Vanoli said, leaving the door open to changes if required.

With a Serie A meeting against Udinese looming, Vanoli insisted the European fixture must still take priority. “I look at things one match at a time. Tomorrow’s game is the most important,” he explained, before admitting that “it’s normal to have one eye on the league.”

Vanoli was also asked about the wider context of the season and his own position. “I don’t think about my future. I think about what’s best for Fiorentina and we’re giving everything for that. My future has to remain in the background,” he said. Reflecting on the recent draw with Hellas Verona, he added: “We created five chances. We have to focus on those things, but we must be more clinical and avoid conceding goals.”

Assessing Lausanne, Vanoli warned against underestimating the Swiss side. “They’re having some difficulties, but they play an interesting diamond and have quality players, even if one is away at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he noted. “It’s a difficult match, on a synthetic pitch that’s different from ours. They’ve done better in the Conference League too, it’s a delicate game.”

On fan dissatisfaction, Vanoli was frank. “What we’re doing isn’t enough. We have to do more for our people,” he said, while urging positivity: “We need a result that gives us belief and confidence.”

Asked directly whether the group remains united amid rumours, Vanoli replied simply: “Yes.”

Goalkeeper selection remains open. “Martinelli has great potential, but we also have a keeper who has done important things in his career and must help us out of this situation. Either of them could play tomorrow,” he confirmed.

Finally, Vanoli provided updates on injuries. “Gosens hasn’t had a relapse, just discomfort above the calf. We’re assessing him day by day, as we are Fazzini with his ankle problem,” he concluded.