Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina keep making same mistakes’
Paolo Vanoli admits it is ‘frustrating to see the same mistakes made over and over again’ by Fiorentina in a 2-2 draw with Torino, as their weakness in the air is becoming a problem.
The Viola had managed to turn the game around after Cesare Casadei sprung the offside trap for a free header, as Manor Solomon’s screamer and a Moise Kean effort put them in front.
However, deep into stoppages Guillermo Maripan’s glancing header on a Gvidas Gineitis free kick allowed Toro to grab a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Franchi.
Vanoli tries to think positive for Fiorentina
“The desire to bring home a result at all costs can make you anxious. We knew that Torino had players who are very strong in the air, so we shouldn’t have allowed them that free kick at the end,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is frustrating to see the same mistakes made over and over again. We threw away points late on against Lazio, today we would’ve deserved a victory and didn’t take it.”
Fiorentina have conceded an astonishing 38 goals in 24 Serie A matches this season.
“I still say we are on the right track, but need to improve our defending. We cannot always start from a goal down, even if we saw a strong reaction from a great team today to turn it around,” continued Vanoli.
“We must try to stay positive, as we’re fighting to the end. It’s a pity for the lads, who gave their all tonight, but we need to do more.”
There was an odd moment when Albert Gudmundsson limped off at the dawn of the second half, having seemingly sprained his left ankle.
“We started to struggle in the final five minutes because we didn’t close down their crosses from the right, we should’ve pushed our own wingers up to keep them busy, keep it three against three,” said the coach.
“It’s a season like this, but again today we created many chances, turned it around to lead, and until the final couple of minutes were in great shape to bring home the result.”
Fiorentina have conceded 10 goals this season from corners and free kicks, so what is the cause of that weakness?
“More often than not, it’s distraction and a lack of determination in stopping the crosses from coming in. We’re working on dealing with set plays, but we again need to have a positive approach, get more communication between the players.
“We make naïve mistakes and when you use up a lot of energy to fight back from those situations, it leaves you vulnerable at the end.”
New Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici was in the stands, and the January signings are beginning to have a real impact, but they remain at least in the bottom four with this result, awaiting Lecce’s game tomorrow.