Mandragora: “It’s up to us to get out of this situation. Our relationship with Pioli? Good.”
Florence, 5 November 2025 – In a press conference from the Mewa Arena in Mainz, where tomorrow Fiorentina will play the third match of the League Phase of the Conference League, Rolando Mandragora Alongside Coach Galloppa, one of the group’s leaders spoke on behalf of the team. “It’s certainly a difficult time, and one we didn’t expect either. We find ourselves in the worst position in the league table. We’re in the midst of a storm, but we must stay afloat and react with the enthusiasm the coach has brought us, with humility and hunger. Now we must lift Fiorentina out of the bottom of the table as quickly as possible.”
How did we get to this point?
“We talked about it, and it’s disappointing for us, for the club, and for the former coach. Now we have to get out of this situation. We have what it takes, but we have to do it. Now we have the Conference game, and then we have to get to work to get out of this situation in the league.” What didn’t work with Pioli?
“We’re responsible, perhaps the first ones, and we have to get over it. The criticism is fair and we have to turn it into compliments and applause. Regarding Pioli, it’s difficult to go into detail about what went wrong. We tried to follow him, but we couldn’t get our heads around the results, which are what really matter, and we’re sorry for how it ended.”
The problems seem to be mainly in midfield.
“We’re all responsible for not being able to change the momentum of the games. Let’s see if, with different ball management, we can be better at helping the defense and serving the attackers.”
It has little to do with the moment, but is his renewal really close?
“Yes, I reached an agreement with the club a few days ago. We’ve always been on good terms, and my desire has always been to stay in Florence, which has now become my home. The contract term? Until 2028.”
How was the relationship with Pioli?
“The relationship was always good until the last few days. I find myself repeating that the results weren’t working, but there was nothing wrong with Coach Pioli, especially on a human level.”
Do you feel responsible for the group for this situation?
“Absolutely, this leadership was also passed down to me by Biraghi, and it’s very beautiful and important. My job is to convey Florentine values, and I hope to instill them and try to bring them out, because when you’re in trouble, you tend to hide them.”
Alessandro Latini
