30 October 2023
30 October 2023

Bijol: "You can see the motivation is there"

Rallying words from the defender on Udinese Tonight

Bijol.jpg
Jaka Bijol says the mood in the camp is good following the appointment of Gabriele Cioffi and a creditable draw against Monza at the weekend.
 
The defender was speaking as this week's guest on Udinese Tonight.
 
“You could see how motivated we were against Monza,” he began.
 
“Last week felt different. That always happens when you change coach - everyone wants to convince the new boss to pick them. There's more energy in training. 
 
“Cioffi asked us to respect everyone: ourselves as a team, him as a coach and the staff. We're a family and we must act like one.
 
“He talks to the players a lot before and after training. It's important to help us understand what he wants. Talking is good – it's the only way we're going to improve."
 
Udinese are still seeking their first win but the attitude shown in Sunday's comeback draw bodes well, says Bijol. The only outfield player to feature in every game this season, he was monumental against Monza. 
 
“It's tough when you're not winning but we know it will come. In the meantime it means a lot not to lose these away games.
 
“The most important aspect for a defender is maintaining concentration. A moment's distraction and you concede a goal and it turns into a bad game. You need 100 minutes of focus. 
 
“The most frustrating game was against Lecce. Victory was within our grasp and we conceded a goal at the end. It was hard to get to sleep that night as I kept replaying the game in my mind.”
 
The hard numbers read seven draws and three defeats, meaning Udinese sit in joint 17th position with Empoli. 
 
“The defence doesn't look good going by the league table but you have to think as a team. In a real team every player does their job 100%. We're still at the start. Last season we started well and then faded away. This year we have to do the opposite.”