Sebastien Frey has warned Fiorentina not to under-estimate Champions League opponents Slavia Prague. “We’ll face them like Barcelona, Juventus or Inter.”
The Viola begin their preliminary round adventure on Tuesday at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
“Slavia Prague may be at a more advanced fitness level than us, but we are ready in both mind and body,” assured the goalkeeper.
“We have prepared well for this appointment and are charged up. To get through the preliminary round would mean a great deal for the team and on a personal level, as it’d be fantastic to play the biggest clubs in Europe.
“On Tuesday we will already be in that mindset, facing Slavia as if they were Barcelona, Juve or Inter.”
Frey was the first big star to commit himself to the Fiorentina cause with a contract extension to 2013 despite interest from Milan and Bayern Munich.
Adrian Mutu followed suit and penned a deal holding him to the side until 2012 after his £16m move to Roma collapsed.
“Our contract renewals were important signals and the club has invested a lot of money,” continued the Frenchman.
“The potential of the team this year is even better than last season. The new boys need time to settle in, but they are talented and this Fiorentina is building an important project for the future.
“My priority is Fiorentina, who I now consider among the top sides in Europe.”
| 
