Lo Monaco to RFV: “Fiorentina, it was a mistake to take Beltran to be a centre forward”

The historic sports director Peter Lo Monaco spoke to the microphones of Radio FirenzeViola to have his say on the Viola’s market choices: “Even if they were penalties, these victories are always the most beautiful. That was what this Fiorentina needed. Then there are many other players who can do well. With Colpani, Gudmundsson and Kean, Fiorentina has a great trident. They have problems at the back but in general they have moved well. This is the path”.

So he promotes the work of the Viola on the market?
“There are some problems. Beltran taken as a centre forward and to be a centre forward in Italy is a big blunder. Then there are evaluations that are subjective. For example, about Infantino I say that he could have been an added value but he didn’t have space. When you make evaluations and take players you don’t just think about the technical value, but what you want to do with this player”.

What do you think of Pongracic and the defensive line in general?
“I don’t like to talk about players I don’t know very well. I reserve the right to evaluate him. He’s been carrying the problem around for a long time back there. In Fiorentina a normal player like Quarta makes a good impression. Maybe we could have insisted and focused more on a safe centre-back”.

However, Nicolas Valentini will arrive in January.
“Yes, he’s a good player, he already has a strong physical structure. However, he’s a left-footed defender and Fiorentina has a lot of them, it’s hard to put them all together.”

And what do you think about Colpani’s start?
“I think it’s linked to the weight of the shirt. I remember a player I was crazy about, he was very good in Catania. He went to Juve and got lost. There are shirts that weigh more. But there’s still time for Colpani and he has Palladino’s relationship and respect on his side, plus he’s an intelligent footballer”.