Fabio Paratici lays out his Fiorentina vision, backing Moise Kean and calling for patience as the club builds its future step by step.
Fabio Paratici Fiorentina press conference sets the tone
Fabio Paratici’s first official press conference as Fiorentina new sporting director just wrapped up.
The former Juventus and Tottenham exec immediately took the opportunity to thank President Commisso and Ferrari for choosing him, as well as Tottenham for giving him this opportunity and allowing him to spend five years in the Premier League, waiting for him in difficult times.
Why Paratici chose Fiorentina in a tough moment
During his press conference Paratici picked Fiorentina and the Viola project on December 15-16. At that time La Viola had six points.
It was a bold choice, because Paratici thought long and hard about it.
The fact that the Viola have solid ownership, world-class infrastructure, and a group of people with whom he immediately felt in sync weighed heavily on his decision.
Paratici doesn’t have any magic tricks up his sleeve to get Fiorentina out of the relegation battle overnight, but he knows that now is the time to put in the work.
He’s planning to take his time and build Fiorentina up little by little.
“Today, we need to be realistic and try to get ourselves out of a situation that we won’t get out of in a month. I’d like to see a club that’s attractive, visually appealing, and exciting for fans and the public. An international Fiorentina.”
Renewals, interest and Kouame exit possibility
Paratici also talks about Moise Kean and his poor performance in front of goal:
“When seasons go a certain way, there are various reasons. Fiorentina had 65 points last season and now has 17. I don’t think Kean’s poor performance is the issue. I know him pretty well, and I’ve already said that he’s easily the best Italian striker out there. He can score 20 goals a season, no matter what club he’s on. It’s on him to be Kean, and on us to put him in the right position.”
The statements on the renewals of Dodo and Fortini are also important. Both players are set to expire in 2027 and have caught the attention of Inter and Roma, respectively. Here are his thoughts on the matter.
Paratici wants to talk to the two players, since one is an interesting youngster and the other is now established.
Even so, there’s a chance Christian Kouame might still leave.
After the failed move to Hellas Verona, a deal that was finalized in the final moments of the transfer window on Monday, February 2, but which the Serie A League then canceled due to incomplete documentation submitted by the two clubs, Fiorentina could close a deal with Aris Thessaloniki in the coming hours.
