Federico Balzaretti was unveiled to the media at the stadium on Wednesday morning.
Our new technical director began by sharing his initial impressions since joining the club.
Our new technical director began by sharing his initial impressions since joining the club.
“This is a wonderful moment for me. It's an honour to be here at a club that has such a wonderful track record and is associated with innovation and planning throughout Europe.
“I was very happy when I got the call from Gino Pozzo, a man with 30 years' experience in the game. After a few days I was told I would be Udinese's new technical director – it all happened very quickly. I said yes instantly.
“I go into this new stage of my career with enthusiasm and determination. In my first few days here I've sensed the level of expertise and ambition there is at this club, a mixture of history and looking to the future. I hope to offer not just my expertise but my whole self as a person.
“I'm a very ambitious person and not one to rest on my laurels. I can learn a lot from working at a club like Udinese. I will give a lot and receive even more.”
What was your impression of Udinese as a player?
“Udinese are renowned for their work in all areas: scouting, the transfer market, developing and looking after players, environmental sustainability and fans. It's up to us to maintain this identity, keep it alive over the years and if possible further improve it.
“Udinese have always been associated with quality and innovation. That's why I'm so proud and happy to be here.
“I'll bring in my ideas and methods without changing the club's identity and soul because that's what has helped Udinese achieve so much over the years.”
What experience have you gained from working outside Serie A in the last eight years and what's it like coming back?
“Everything helps you improve. You have to learn the ropes going from footballer to director. I'm young and I still have a lot to learn. I'm grateful to Vicenza for the opportunity they gave me and to all the figures I've worked with, from [Frederic] Massara to [Walter] Sabatini, who's like a father to me, and Monchi.
“Having to spend a year and a half out made me realise that this was what I wanted to do. I love this job – having an overview of the whole club and bringing my ideas and skills to the table. You have to study, travel and keep up to date because the role of technical director has changed a lot. You have to speak to the nutritionist, the coach, the sports scientist, the managing director, the president.
I got my sporting director qualification the year I retired, then I did a two-year UEFA master's and had a great experience with Vicenza in Serie B and Serie C. I've enjoyed it and given my all. We won the Serie C Coppa Italia. I liked working on TV too. I enjoy all aspects of football.”
Could Udinese find themselves without Beto, Rodrigo Becao and Lazar Samardzic next season?
“The transfer window has only just opened but Udinese don't need to sell because the club is solid financially. Here we develop great players and sell them on to top clubs. We don't need to sell but if a certain type of offer comes in, we'll assess it, as all clubs do. In any case, with the extraordinary scouting set-up here, we're able to replace any top players who might leave.”
Have you taken stock of your own experiences?
“I made mistakes at Vicenza. We had a tough transfer window in the first year. We made up 12 points in the second half of the season and got into the playout, which was a great run. Last year the idea was to bring down the average age of the squad.
“I think what people at Udinese appreciated was the fact I introduced a similar scouting set-up and work methods to Serie A in a lower division. What we lacked was consistency. I have a fiery character and I need to be more reflective, less emotional and more rational. That comes with experience.”
How did your first chat with Andrea Sottil go?
“We've had a few phone calls and exchanged messages. I'll wait for him as it's only right that he should relax now as there's a long season ahead but I can't wait. He did really well last season and deserved to stay on for a second year and I'm pleased I'll get the chance to work with him. From our initial conversations you sense we share a similar energy and vision. Udinese had lots of good performances. Results were perhaps inconsistent but they played good football. They were well drilled and willing to tale the coach's ideas on board. I met him lots of times as Torino. We have the same grit and determination”.
Is there still a chance Roberto Pereyra could sign a new contract?
“He's taken some time to reflect. We've made him an offer but we're still waiting for his decision. We know how good he is – a great player and a captain. If he wants to continue with us, we'll be happy and if not he'll be replaced. We'll respect whatever decision he takes.”
Have you received any offers for Samardzic?
“We're still at a very early stage of the transfer window. We love Samardzic and so do other clubs because he's a quality player. Right now he's an Udinese player we'd be happy to keep him with us. If someone puts in a big offer, we'll sit down and discuss it. The idea is to keep him with us but it's a long summer and various things can happen. This club has always had alternatives up its sleeve and is always able to move on if and when players do leave.”
Does that go for Simone Pafundi as well? Or is he staying regardless?
“I want to talk to him. He's a fabulous talent who's improving all the time. I hope he has time to establish himself here. He's yet to reach his full potential and the idea is to help him reach it here.”