Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 9y

Vincenzo Montella says he's happy to continue as Fiorentina manager

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella says he is "surprised" by the pressure put on him by his club, but says he is happy to carry on in charge of the Viola.

Montella had been noncommittal about his personal future after criticising the behaviour of some of the club's fans towards the end of the season. The way his players were "ridiculed" during their Europa League semifinal defeat to Sevilla led to him questioning his future.

More than a week after the season ended, he had yet to confirm he would be remaining as Fiorentina coach next season and his club's honourary president Andrea Della Valle appeared to have run out of patience.

A statement was published on the Serie A club's website demanding Montella make a decision without delay.

"The club are still waiting to be told by the coach Montella about his clear position, with respect to the agreements taken and the correctness shown up to now," read the statement. "We feel that, for the respect we all owe to this club and the fans, it is indispensable that we this situation is resolved, and we cannot wait any longer."

Montella's reaction came within an hour with a statement of his own delivered via the ANSA news agency.

"I'm surprised by the club's statement," he said. "We have been discussing the content and projects for the future for months and I think, particularly to be respectful to the fans and this club, we need to be clear [about the future] regardless of my own presence.

"I am the coach of Fiorentina and I am willing to continue being so with professionalism and enthusiasm."

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