Fiorentina signed Jack Harrison from Leeds United on an initial loan deal earlier this week.
The attacker arrived after playing only 263 Premier League minutes for the Whites this season. He was clearly out of favour under Daniel Farke and a transfer is a welcome opportunity to prove himself.
Fiorentina have been going through a crisis of sorts themselves, as they fight relegation. Things have improved a little and the arrival from Leeds United is very keen to help.
The 29-year-old spoke at his first press conference as a La Viola player today. As part of the chat, he made his gratitude for Marcelo Bielsa quite clear.
Harrison said – relayed by ViolaNews: “It was a fantastic experience with Bielsa. I was young and hadn’t been playing in England for long.
“He talked to me a lot, especially about the details. I respect him a lot; I’d never seen anything like it. I hope to get back to that level and bring what I learned with him to Fiorentina.”
Harrison said he wants to start games immediately in Florence.
“I’m very ambitious, and I hope to become a starter straight away. I want to do my best.”
He also compared the challenge at Fiorentina to how difficult and demanding things were under Bielsa at Leeds United.
“Football changes, and maybe being relegated with Leeds is difficult for me. Bielsa was very demanding and detailed, I have the impression he will be the same here, with the focus on tactics.
“I just need to demonstrate my quality in the final third, given that I haven’t scored many goals. I’m also working hard with private coaches to get back to my level.”
Mentions for the Argentine didn’t end there, as Harrison explained he expects a more intense football.
“There were various opportunities to leave England, like Spain. Seeing the quality of Fiorentina, the choice was clear. Here, I have everything I need to be successful. With Bielsa, the key was intensity . If I can bring that to Serie A, we can achieve success.”
Leeds United will be hoping for money
The winger’s career could have been very different had he never played under Bielsa. He featured 154 times and scored 24 times, assisting 22 goals.
This helped him become a regular in the Premier League, and perhaps played a role in helping him get a loan move to Everton last season.
Things never quite worked out on Merseyside but Leeds United will hope Harrison turns things around in Italy.
