Edin Dzeko didn’t hide behind excuses after Fiorentina’s 1-0 loss to AEK Athens in the Conference League. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
Instead, he delivered one of the bluntest assessments a player has ever made, admitting the team is “playing like sh*t.” It was the club’s second straight defeat in Europe, dropping them into a worrying position despite early wins in the competition.
The veteran striker explained that Fiorentina’s biggest issue is their inability to build meaningful play. He noted that the team struggles to string passes together, something that reflects both a loss of confidence and a breakdown in their tactical execution. Even with strong preparation, their performance on the pitch simply didn’t match expectations.
Dzeko highlighted how the first half showed small signs of improvement, but the momentum collapsed once they conceded. Losing possession repeatedly in the second half only made the situation worse. For him, it’s clear Fiorentina aren’t just losing matches they’re losing control of games.
Dzeko Turns His Frustration Toward the Fans
Despite admitting the team’s poor form, Dzeko didn’t shy away from calling out the Fiorentina supporters who repeatedly booed the team at the Artemio Franchi Stadium. In his view, negativity from the stands is piling pressure onto a squad already struggling for confidence.
He argued that fans should be helping the players push through mistakes, not punishing them for every error. According to Dzeko, even simple misplaced passes were met with whistles, creating an environment where younger players feel afraid rather than inspired.
The striker insisted that during matches, support is far more valuable than criticism. With the team already in a difficult period, he believes unity not hostility is the only way Fiorentina can turn their form around.
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A Crisis Spreading Across Serie A
Fiorentina’s problems aren’t limited to Europe they’re sinking fast in Serie A as well. Sitting 19th in the table with no wins from 12 matches, the club is in one of its worst starts in years. Six draws and six losses underline a team unable to convert effort into results.
Dzeko admitted there is fear within the squad, especially as mistakes become more frequent. He said each player must look inward and take responsibility for the decline, starting with himself. Confidence, he noted, has dropped so low that players often hesitate or overthink on the ball. Even though the team has trained hard and shown flashes of improvement, Dzeko acknowledged they are nowhere near their physical or mental best. Progress is slow, and patience is running thin.
A Crucial Turning Point Ahead
Fiorentina’s next match against Atalanta could be a defining moment in their season. With the team deep in the relegation zone, any positive result could help restore belief and reduce the growing pressure on both players and coaching staff.
The challenge, however, is significant. Atalanta are stronger, more confident, and far more stable than Fiorentina right now. To avoid another setback, the squad must rediscover discipline, energy, and resilience qualities they have lacked in recent games.
Dzeko’s harsh words may be uncomfortable, but they could also be the spark that reignites the team. Fiorentina’s fate now depends on whether they respond to his criticism with courage or continue sliding deeper into crisis. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest story.