27 August 2023
27 August 2023

Sottil demands 'perfect' defence in bid to bounce back against Salernitana

The coach shared his thoughts ahead of the match

IMG-20230827-WA0015.jpg
True to himself, Udinese coach Andrea Sottil learns from the past, but does not dwell on it. 

Speaking ahead of his team's upcoming clash with Salernitana, he said: "We are no longer interested in Juventus, we are only thinking about Salernitana.

"We analysed the things to improve and trained in the knowledge that we have to increase the intensity. We approached the week with the desire to take charge once again."

The coach made no secret of the fact that he expects a performance "of the highest level". 

"I saw the boys eager to show the work they have done – they understood what they did wrong. The new players are coming to understand that in Serie A you can't afford to lose a single ball."

Last year, again on matchday two, Udinese and Salernitana played out a scrappy 0-0 draw. From there, Udinese grew more confident in their ability. 

"It has to be the match that kick-starts the season. Last year was a tough match – we were down to 10 men, but after that we changed our mentality. I expect great courage and I want our principles of play to be seen on the pitch," Sottil says. 

"I want to take until tomorrow morning before deciding on the best starting line-up. Lorenzo Lucca offers us something different to Isaac Success – he's a big frontman who knows how to attack the space. He's quick for a player of his size. He is reference point when attacking the goal. 

"Isaac is an important player for us, I have praised him many times. He is more about getting the ball down, freeing up space and laying on assists for his attacking partners or midfielders. I will evaluate the situation, according to what Salernitana offer."

Adam Masina is certainly not available, while Domingos Quina is to return.

At the end of the press conference Sottil was complimentary of his opposite number Paulo Sousa. 

"Since he arrived, Salernitana have developed a clear identity. Against Roma we saw a solid, pragmatic team that makes the most of its individuality. We must be good at finding their flaws and exploiting them," he says. 

"I want to see a perfect defensive phase – it's the backbone of my method. We must respect our opponents but play our game. We have the qualities to cause them problems."