Adrian Mutu believes the pressure of the occasion will spur him on in Fiorentina’s UEFA Cup quarter-final against PSV Eindhoven.

The Romania international, fit again after a knee injury sidelined him for a month, has scored three goals in the UEFA Cup this season and understands much will again rest on his shoulders when the Dutch champions visit Florence for Thursday’s first leg.

La Viola squeezed past Everton on penalties in the last round, but have barely held on to fourth place in Serie A while Mutu has been injured, the latest result a 3-1 defeat at Udinese on Sunday.

“When one feels pressure, you know of the responsibilities,” Mutu told the club’s official website.

“Therefore to know that everyone expects a great performance from me gives a little worry, but also great motivation.”

Mutu says La Viola can achieve success both in Europe and domestically, where they are chasing qualification to the Champions League.

“Everyone wants to take Fiorentina forward in Europe, and also secure fourth place in the championship,” he said.

“We are ambitious, and want to do well.”

Posted on April 7th, 2008 by Dan
Filed under: Fiorentina