Jørgensen seeks right Viola headlines

Martin Jørgensen hopes a good performance against Liverpool FC tonight can give ACF Fiorentina "some positive momentum for the coming months" as Cesare Prandelli's side look to bring the focus back to matters on the pitch at the Serie A club.

Footballing panacea
Discontent among supporters and the resignation of club president Andrea Della Valla have created the wrong kinds of headlines for the Viola, but Jørgensen reckoned the right result against Rafael Benítez's Reds could help restore some balance. "This is a game where a good performance could provide some positive momentum for the coming months," said the Danish international, who turns 34 on 6 October. "Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and a good result could help us shift the focus away from other issues and bring back some harmony."

Just reward
There may have been tensions elsewhere, but Jørgensen remains a popular figure at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, not least for his versatility; he is a midfielder by trade but Prandelli has been able to field him in both defensive and attacking positions. Signed from Udinese Calcio in 2004, he has been a key figure in the recent revival of the Viola's fortunes, and playing in the UEFA Champions League again this season feels like a reward for all of the efforts he and his team-mates have put in over the past years.

Dream scenario
"When Fiorentina signed me, I hoped I would end up in a situation like this, playing in the Champions League for a club that rate me," said the player who started his career at AGF Århus. "I came here about six years ago and through the work we have put in every day we have achieved great results. Fiorentina versus Liverpool is an important match but I hope that it will not be my last one at this level. Once we get on the pitch we will hear the supporters chants, enjoy the atmosphere before the match and get some idea of our potential."

Simple motivation
Fiorentina lost 1-0 at Olympique Lyonnais in their Group E opener, while Liverpool won by the same scoreline at home against Debreceni VSC, but while defeat would leave the Viola six points adrift of the top of the section, Jørgensen remained calm. "We are not worried even though we know it will be tough," he said. "We don't need to dig around for motivation against a side like Liverpool; all we need to do is think about the quality of our opponents and how important this match is for us. You have to face these situations with a cool head to keep the pressure off yourself during the match."