Low profile. Peter Stoger, on the other hand, can’t help but be competitive given the current situation. Four consecutive defeats, a win since mid-September, and a mood very similar to Fiorentina’s. “This match is a chance for us to get back on track. Our opponents have also had some difficulties: we’ll face them competitively. They’re a very good team with great players and an excellent coach.”
Stoger, coming off a shock home defeat to Lask, has clear ideas. “We’ll approach the match as always; we need to bring our energy to the table. We analyzed many aspects of our game that weren’t working in the last match. Training gave us a good feeling.” Only Mbuyi is absent, the rest of the squad is complete. Stoger then analyzed Fiorentina. “We saw various things on video. We focused on their standard playing style. They run very deep, even with their defense, then we relied on what the Italian media reports. One thing that struck us was their quality, but we already knew that at the start of the season. They are a top-level opponent; it won’t be easy.”
Regarding Fiorentina’s chances of winning the cup, Stoger responded: “Fiorentina is a strong team and wants to win. I have great respect for Pioli, and I wish him all the best starting tomorrow. The Viola have a lot of potential, even if they’re not showing it. It’s hard to say whether they’re truly the favorites given the current situation, but they’ll certainly want to fight to go all the way.”
Ale.La.
