Pongracic: "Awake and focused from the beginning. Fagioli can count on us"

Florence, 16 April 2025 - Since the beginning of the year he has become untouchable. A bit like the role that Fiorentina had in mind for him since the beginning of the season. However, the physical problems suffered by Pongracic have almost completely ruined his first months on the banks of the Arno. Now the Croatian centre-back is consistently demonstrating his value and tomorrow evening he will be in his place on the centre-right of the Viola defence, alongside Comuzzo and Ranieri. These are the words of Marin pongracic, speaking at a press conference from the Viola Park Media Center. "I think we need to be awake and focused from the first minute tomorrow. We won the first leg but only 2-1, we haven't done anything yet, everything is still open. We've been tactically analyzing Celje these days and we want to do even better tomorrow."

How do you think it will be easier to reach Europe next season?

"I think like the coach: we have to look at each game, we have an opportunity both in the league and in the Conference to do something great. Every game is a final, even in the league. We hope to have ten games left, we are focused on all of them".

How do you feel about the three-man defense?

"We're definitely doing well in defense since we've been playing with three at the back and it's thanks to the whole team because they're all doing a great job, even the offensive players who press. We don't leave too many opportunities to the opponents, and we have a goalkeeper at the back who helps us. We're satisfied."

Did you expect such a close-knit group? Are you okay together?

"There's a lot of enthusiasm. The latest results help us feel good but we have players who always want to give their best. We're very happy."

Has he reached top form during this period?

"I'm very close to 100% but I feel like there's still some room. I played very well in some games but I'm still lacking a bit of consistency. I'm comfortable in the new game system but I think I can give even more."  

How are you experiencing the situation related to Fagioli? Are you helping him?

"I haven't spoken to Nicolò personally but he knows we are a team and if he needs help we are here to support him. But I see him well. I don't know, I'm very informed about what happened but we are always ready to give him a hand". Alessandro Latini