Martí Cifuentes Post Match vs Fiorentina
Cifuentes on the game
“I’m happy about the overall performance. There were a lot of positive things to build on. At the same time, as is normal, there were a lot of things to work on and try to improve.
“I’m satisfied because I saw a team with expression, with identity, that’s what I’ve been asking of the guys. We played against a very good side as well.
“It’s credit to the players. I quite enjoyed a lot of the minutes. We had very good periods in the first half. In the second half, the game stretched a little bit, they got more possession.
“We were quite good in the high press. They didn’t create a single big chance against us, which is very positive. Perhaps one of the minuses is that in the second half we should have scored two more goals.
“It was good to see a lot of players get a lot of minutes in their legs, a lot of bench players having a good impact.”
Fatawu's performance?
MC: “It’s very important to me for the players to enjoy themselves. Abdul was outstanding. He was enjoying it. It was a brilliant goal. At the same time, when Abdul is doing well, it’s because Stephy is doing well on the other side, showing the same level of threat. That’s very difficult for an opposition to then manage players that have quality in one-v-ones.
“Kasey had a couple of situations on the goal, but I’m sure he will grow on this. Jeremy, I’m a big believer in his talent, in his qualities, so we have fantastic players.”
Competition out wide?
MC: “First of all, it’s a good thing for them. They will push each other and they will just get better because of that. As a coach, we need to take the best decision for the team. It’s a long league, it’s 46 games, and hopefully some long runs in the cup. We need to make sure everybody is connected. It’s going to be up to them and how they perform in training and in the games.
“We are strong in this position but not only this position. Both Jordan and Pato did amazing as number nines. I think the centre-halves as well, we had four today that are really high level. I could go on.”
Ready for the new season?
MC: “Definitely more ready than a week ago. The application at the training ground has been excellent. A good result today gives us confidence. But I’ve been in the game a long time and I understand next week will be another kind of test. I’m looking forward to working with the guys next week, to keep improving, and making sure that the positives we saw today are still there next week.”
Want new signings before next weekend?
MC: “You’re going to keep asking me until September 1? Yes, we’re working on it. The idea is to be the best team and have the best squad we can. We work on players going out and coming in. We’ll see what happens in the next week.”
Happy with Ayew and Daka as your strikers?
MC: “I’m very happy with what I saw. That doesn’t mean that we will not look at this position. If any player in any position will come, it’s because we think he can really help us. If not, I’m very happy with the quality there is in the squad.”
