New Fiorentina director clarifies Pioli exit: ‘He believed he could turn this around’

New Fiorentina director of sport Roberto Goretti denies that Stefano Pioli demanded payment to leave. ‘He just believed that he could turn the situation around.’

The club held a press conference today to present new coach Paolo Vanoli, although he has already overseen his first match with a 2-2 Serie A draw away to Genoa last Sunday.

You can read Vanoli’s comments from the event here.

Vanoli is not the only change for the Viola, because Daniele Pradè resigned last week and Goretti was promoted to the role of director of sport.

“I want to thank everyone at the club for this opportunity. We spoke with Vanoli, we’ll follow his advice and try to put him in the best condition to win this challenge that he accepted,” said Goretti.

“We are aware of the situation that we are in and will work hard to evolve matters in a positive direction.”

The appointment of Vanoli was delayed somewhat by the exit of Pioli, as when negotiations to terminate the contract by mutual consent failed, Fiorentina eventually fired him.

The coach had only arrived over the summer for his second stint at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, but the position became untenable after four draws and six defeats in 10 Serie A games.

“With Pioli, it was a decision we struggled with and an admission that all of us had made mistakes,” insisted Goretti.

“It’s true that he was fired, but he never asked for a bonus payment to leave. He just believed that he could turn the situation around. It was a decision that we suffered through, both professionally and personally, to fire him.

“We decided to press the reset button, because you can see the results that we’ve had this season. We have to tell the players that it will be a difficult season and we’ll be suffering for a long time.”

Goretti was the technical director under Pradè and promoted to the role of director of sport, but is aware the situation remains in flux.

“What happens from today onwards is my responsibility, and my first decision was to hire Vanoli. I will act as if I will be here for 10 years, even if it only lasts a week.

“The contract with Vanoli is until June 2026 with an option in favour of Fiorentina to extend until 2027. There were no difficulties in the negotiations.”