After his superb start to the season, with two goals in as many games, Hassane Kamara sat down in the Udinese Tonight studio to discuss his and this team-mates' performances and the mood in the camp.
“I've started the season well but it's a team sport. If the team isn't ticking over properly, the players can't shine either. My performances are mainly down to the team. It's been a long time since I last scored in two games straight!
“It's our third year with the same coach and the third year that we've started well. We haven't done anything special yet. I wouldn't say it's normal to start like this because a lot of work goes into it but I'm not surprised. We all know each other, on and off the pitch, and there are no problems to resolve. That makes it easier.”
Kamara is heading into his fourth season at the club having renewed his contract twice in a short space of time. He explains: “I had an option for an extra year, which the club exercised. But I'm 32 and it was better for me to renew for two years. The president showed belief in me and gave me a two-year contract. I'm very happy at Udinese and in Udine – it's a peaceful city. I feel at home here.
He also discussed his role in the team off the pitch.
“I've always been one of the players who makes the others laugh. It's good for team spirit – you need a clown. Having a laugh in the dressing room is important. I try to always be positive in my life too. I rarely get angry. In the dressing room we have [Christian] Kabasele, [Kesper] Karlstrom and the coach who do that!”
Hassane then praised the work of Kosta Runjaic and sporting director Gokhan Inler.
“They've changed lots of things. If you finish 12th and 10th after beating the drop on the last day of the season, clearly it means something has changed for the good.”
Meanwhile the wing-back's understanding with Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, who plays on the left flank with him, keeps going from strength to strength.
“We've already got three goals and two assists between us, which is reward for our hard work. We've been playing together for a while and a lot of things come automatically. We know how each other plays.”
The Ivorian went on to discuss the goals conceded against Monza, and the first in particular.
“I definitely don't think [Enzo] Ebosse was to blame. In the past we sometimes struggled to attack against the smaller teams but on that occasion he took the decision to push up. It's everyone's fault: it was four against four on the long ball and the goal could have been avoided in many ways. We had time to pick up all the men. We made a mistake but we won the game. Last year after a good performance against one of the big teams, we'd often lose the next match. There are things we need to work on but it's easier when you win.”
Meanwhile James Abankwah has been one of the bright notes of these first two games.
“He hasn't surprised me. He was already very good two years ago. We don't talk about him enough. He went to Watford and was a regular starter there in difficult circumstances. Now he's come back here and he's starting here too. He's 22 but looks like a veteran.”
Finally, Kamara spoke about Udinese potentially raising the bar and challenging for European football.
“I don't feel pressure. Football is a game. We want to get into Europe but we have to take one thing at a time: first we must get to 40 points, then 50, then we can maybe target Europe. The Coppa Italia is a target too and we know it's the shortest route into Europe. Every game is difficult but we want to show we can go a long way.”