Gosens on Betis Fiorentina: "Serenity and conviction. Let's enjoy this semi-final"

Florence, 30 April 2025 - Together with Raffaele Palladino there is also Robin Gosens in a press conference from Seville. Fiorentina presents the first leg of the semi-final against Betis Seville. "The match against Empoli was intense, but that's in the past now and we're happy to have taken the three points. I worked hard to get back from my injury quickly. Tomorrow we have a tough match ahead of us. I've already faced Antony in the Champions League with Atalanta against Ajax. He's a tough opponent, but I believe in myself and in the quality of our team".  

How important is your international experience? "The European matches have given me a lot on a personal and footballing level. I'm happy to be able to put my experience on the field tomorrow too. I've already told the lads this during the week. A European semi-final doesn't happen every time. There will certainly be pressure, but we also have to enjoy the moment. I'll try to convey this serenity and tranquility to play a great match and get to the final."  

Do you have a special connection with Florence? "I've always been like this, I'm a player with a mentality and I try to put it on the pitch. I'm not the most technical or the one who does the numbers, but I've always conveyed the desire to win and the discipline to do so. I'm trying to convey it in the locker room and I'm grateful that Florence has recognized this aspect. In Germany I didn't feel good at home. I'm grateful to Fiorentina for bringing me back to Italy: this is also why I want to repay the trust that the coach and the club have given me."  

How do you deal with this very hot stage? "Matches must be approached with confidence in your own qualities. If you go to the stadium and get anxious, that's no good, the fact that there are so many spectators must just be an extra stimulus. We play football to play these matches, but we must believe in ourselves and tomorrow our qualities will have to come out".  

How important is the group in Kean's recovery? "The important thing is to make him feel that we are here and that we love him, a smile or a hug is enough. We haven't told him many things, he knows that we are always there when he needs us. That means being a great group, like a family. He felt at home again when he came back, that makes me proud".  

Betis favourites? "They are two teams that deserve to be in the semi-finals. It's right that Betis want to go to the final, we do too. But let's not forget that then there's the return match at our home."  

Have you climbed a step against the little ones? "The strongest signal was the victory in Cagliari, we had been coming for days without even a hotel and clothes to train. Only a group that believes in its own qualities can turn that match around. We have really made the leap that the coach talked about. But now we have to hold on until the end of the season".  

On the relationship with De Gea. "Sharing the locker room with such a champion is an honor. We are almost brothers, we spend a lot of time together. I always try to learn something from him. David, myself, we also met with other experienced players and we spoke to the group. Serenity and the desire to go further, that's what I can say now".