Rolando Mandragora was interviewed after the fourth day of Fiorentina’s pre-season camp. Here’s what our midfielder had to say:

The fourth day of pre-season is over. How’s it all gone so far? 

“Training is going well. We’re working hard, as you need to at this stage of the season. We’re taking on board what the coach is asking of us.”

I can see in your eyes that you’re fired up. What’s the coach demanding from you so far in this camp?

“There are many things, some pretty general things. The coaching staff are all new and everyone is raring to go. This is really palpable in training. I hope this serves as a springboard to us having a good campaign.”

How are the youngsters doing?

“They’re doing well. For some of them it’s their first big step up, and this will be a good experience for them. I hope that they learn from this. They’ll help us to prepare well.”

The sessions are short but intense, and it seems nobody wants to lose the small-sided games at the end of training.

“Indeed, there’s a lot of competition and that’s a good thing about a team and football in general. Healthy competition will help Fiorentina achieve good outcomes.”