We Should Have Been More Careful - Prandelli

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli admitted he was disappointed after the 2-2 draw against Olympique Lyon, who came back from two goals down at the Stade Gerland.

Sep 17, 2008 6:31:23 PM

Cesare Prandelli, Fiorentina (Foto Grazia Neri)

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A draw away to French champions Olympique Lyon would be considered a good result in most circumstances, but Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli was understandably disappointed after seeing his side give up a 2-0 lead at the Stade Gerland on their return to the Champions League.

"Too bad, we were leading 2-0 and, despite Lyon's pressure, we were defending well," he said after the game. "When you are winning 2-0 away from home you have to be even more careful.

"We had a good debut, we played a good match. Our counterattacking was good, the midfield worked well, all in all the lads played a fine game. We suffered, but frankly I thought we would suffer even more."

Asked if he thought the 2-2 draw was a missed opportunity or a precious result, Prandelli said: "When you are winning 2-0 away from home, and concede a goal like that, you lose concentration, and the conviction that you can take home something important."

On Alberto Gilardino, who scored both Fiorentina goals in the first half, the coach said: "When a player decides to come to Florence, leaving a great team like Milan, and comes here to win back a place in the national team, it takes courage. I think it's his victory. He has always been a player who sees the goal, ever since I coached him at Parma."

The Viola made their return to the Champions League following an eight year absence. Their next match is against Steaua Bucharest, who lost 1-0 at home against Bayern Munich tonight, at the Artemio Franchi stadium.

Danilo Pochini