The traditional Udinese Gala event was held at the Bluenergy Stadium Club House on Monday evening, an opportunity to celebrate the approaching festive season, look back on the past year and ahead to the coming one.
Gianpaolo and Gino Pozzo and club captain Florian Thauvin spoke during the course of the evening. Here's what they had to say:
Gianpaolo Pozzo: “Occasions like this are important for the players. These lads come from all over the world and we have to help them settle into life in Friuli.
“I was hoping for a different result on Sunday but now we must look forward to the next game. I'm confident because we have a good team and a good coach. The results will come. We're a young team and we make some mistakes but we haven't been very lucky either. We keep paying a high price.
“I ask the fans to stick behind the team and I'll take this opportunity to wish them merry Christmas and a happy new year. Hopefully, we'll see each other again soon with good results.”
Gino Pozzo: “Results have dropped off in the last few games but I think the work that's been carried out this year is bearing fruit. We're still ninth in the table, although we'd like to be higher. When you see the way the coach and the team are working, you can say we just need to be confident because they're working well and we'll reap the rewards.
“You have to dream and we must always channel our efforts in that direction. We mustn't build up expectations because we know how difficult it is but we can't be happy just with staying up – we must aim higher than that. I feel confident.
“When you face difficulties, it's a chance to see what things you've done well and what less well. Last season helped us reset and go again with this new group, with a different set of ideas. I think this can be the start of a successful period.
“We have to focus on one game at a time but I see a bright future. Udinese is a well-organised club and we're ready for the challenges that lie ahead. We must look forward and be optimistic.”
Florian Thauvin: “Tonight is a nice opportunity to spend some time together with the families.
“We're going through a somewhat difficult time at the moment but you get those in football. We must stay as united as possible because you can only change things as a team. We need to keep our heads down and work hard.
“I spoke to [Isaak] Toure today and it's one of those things you learn with time. He has to improve. You must always try to improve, in football and in life.
“I like the idea of a three-man attack and it was something I was looking forward to seeing on the pitch. We'd prepared well during the week but what happened is part of the game. We need to keep working away and do better in the next game.”