Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino indicated that he plans to use a very strong team for the Conference League quarter-final match against NK Celje. He stressed the importance of having the right attitude.
The game is scheduled for Thursday. Robin Gosens is still unavailable due to a knee injury. Palladino mentioned that there won`t be much change to the team that drew 2-2 with Milan in Serie A.
“Robin is improving, and we will see when he can return. We have other players for his position, like Fabiano Parisi and Michael Folorunsho,” Palladino said at the press conference.
Fiorentina has reached the Conference League Finals twice in a row and aims for a third, despite losing the finals in 2023 and 2024 under the previous coach, Vincenzo Italiano.
“All opponents are very motivated against us, so we must avoid being complacent. Having the wrong mentality would be a mistake.”
Fiorentina Won`t Underestimate Celje
Celje, though not widely known internationally, is a serious opponent and the current champion of Slovenia.
“We know it will be tough, and the atmosphere will be intense, so we must be careful,” Palladino added.
“Celje is a quality team, undefeated at home, and champions in their league. It would be wrong to think we can decide the match in the first leg. We need to consider both games and play with energy and determination.”
“They are technically skilled, often change tactics, and score many goals. Their whole country is excited for this game, so we must be ready to fight with a strong mentality.”
Palladino suggested he will field his best possible eleven in Slovenia. He confirmed that David De Gea will be in goal instead of Pietro Terracciano, but hinted that Moise Kean and Dodo might rest as they have played a lot this season.
“Moise Kean and Dodo have played the most this season, so I am considering their situation. They are important, and we will decide tomorrow. The Conference League is important to us, we are happy to be in the quarter-finals and want to go as far as possible.”
Álvaro Montenegro