02 October 2022
02 October 2022

Sottil: "Focus solely on Verona. The collective comes first"

The Udinese coach shared his thoughts ahead of the contest

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After the two-week break for international fixtures, Udinese are back in league action against Hellas Verona. Speaking ahead of the derby clash, Andrea Sottil commented on the work done on the training pitch since the last competitive outing. 

"We worked well, making up for the fact some players were absent with specific training and focusing on some important aspects of our game. The guys worked with great intensity and played two matches, which was useful to give everyone some minutes. It's been a good 15 days," he said. 

Those who were on international duty came back in good shape, the coach continued. 

"It was important that no one was injured and that everyone took part in the matches and therefore did not interrupt their rhythm. They returned in excellent condition and ready for this match. I'm happy that there will be no breaks until the end of November, so we will play a lot and not interrupt the rhythm of the competition anymore."

As for his plan for the contest against the Gialloblù, Sottil said: "We will play as we have always done, feeling no pressure but thinking about playing game by game. That has been our credo since I arrived and we must continue like that. We are aware of our strengths, of the ability of the team, which has done some extraordinary things, but that's in the past. 

"What matters is to live in the present. Being in the present thinking about the past creates a sense of contentment and lack of determination, and instead we need hunger. Our only focus is the game in Verona."

The game will feature several players that have represented both sides, but the Udinese coach played down the significance of this aspect. 

"The boys won't lose focus. It's part of football – it's not the first and it won't be the last time this will happen. I coach a group of very mature guys and I'm sure that when the referee blows for the start of the match, they will only have a real competitive spirit," he said. 

"What came before matters little. The present says that we will go to Verona, a tough place to go. It's a derby and a lot of our fans will be there. We have to be focused solely on correctly implementing what we have prepared over recent days."

Commenting on tomorrow's opponents, the coach continued: "They've lost some important players and brought in others. They have an established tactical structure and there are many players who have been there for years – they have intensity and physicality. They know how to play well in transition and bring aggression in one-against-ones. We will have to be ready on the second balls.

"I already have the starting 11 in my head, although the boys have made it a very tough choice, so credit to them. They have shown me that they are always up to the task, whether they start or come on, and that is the main part of our identity and our strength. It has to be a constant throughout the year."

Sottil reserved special praise for Gerard Deulofeu, who's already laid on five assists this season: "He looks very calm indeed to me. Being a pure attacker, it's normal for him to be suffering a bit for not having scored yet, but he's an excellent player and trains at 200 kilometres per hour. 

"He is very committed to the Udinese project and every day he pushes like crazy. The goals will also come and there will be many, I'm sure."

Finally, commenting on his coach of the month award, he added: "I am happy and it is gratifying from a professional standpoint, but this award is not just for me. It is the result of the work of the whole team. I have real belief in the work of the staff and I thank my players, the performers. 

"They are the ones who follow my instructions on the pitch. The greatest satisfaction for a coach is when the team goes out onto the pitch and implements what we work on during the week. I'm grateful to everyone."