The pair spoke to DAZN during the international break, with the coach outlining his approach to a young squad and the Spanish defender reflecting on his adaptation since arriving from Bournemouth.
Vanoli said he had welcomed the opportunity to lead Fiorentina and was determined to build on the work already completed at the club.
“I took this opportunity with enthusiasm, with the desire to write something important,” he said. “There is no question of revenge. I value what we did last year, but that is in the past. We have to look to the future with a young and talented team.”
The coach also discussed the extended international break, which gave him additional time to work with the players who remained at the club. While the absences limited his tactical preparations, he said the period had proved useful for developing the squad’s understanding of his methods.
The lengthy interruption also highlighted the importance of communication between clubs and national teams, particularly when international camps run for several weeks.
Vanoli singled out Franco Mastantuono for praise, highlighting the teenager’s humility, work ethic and awareness of the team.
He recalled an incident in Venice when the young player was asked to speak to the media and recognised Fagioli as the best performer on the pitch.
“For a player so young to give that recognition to the man of the match shows that he understands the concept of the team,” Vanoli said.
He believes Mastantuono has the right attitude to develop in Italian football and could become an important player for both Fiorentina and Argentina.
Jimenez, meanwhile, is encouraged by his own progress. His goal against Napoli before the break was particularly meaningful because he had not experienced that level of celebration around him for some time.
“It was an incredible moment for me. It had been a long time since I had felt that kind of celebration around me,” he said.
The defender added that he had joined Fiorentina to demonstrate the level he believes he can reach.
“I came here to show the player I am, what I can do and what I have not done yet,” he explained.
Jimenez also praised the club’s Viola Park training complex, saying its facilities allow players to work at the highest level and get the most out of themselves.
He credited Vanoli with helping the squad start afresh, recalling the coach’s message that the team should turn the page rather than remain focused on previous disappointments.
Fiorentina have not set a specific target for the season. Jimenez said the players had decided to take each match as it comes, beginning with their performance in Venice.
The immediate objective is to keep improving, with Vanoli’s emphasis on collective responsibility and Jimenez’s determination to prove himself offering two complementary strands of Fiorentina’s rebuilding effort.