Udinese coach Andrea Sottil says that putting too much pressure on his team by describing Friday’s match against Empoli as a crossroads is counter-productive. The team need to be fully focused considering the quality of their opponent.
“It’s an important game, just like all the others,” the coach explained at his pre-match media conference. “Empoli are a dangerous team, especially now Aurelio Andreazzoli is back in the dugout. We know what we have to do. Genoa was a patchy performance, but tomorrow we’ll have to play on the front foot from start to finish.”
The Udinese coach said that his team have prepared both physically and mentally, blocking out any external noise surrounding Udinese’s start to the season.
“We have to forget what has already happened and what’s being said about us. We prefer action over words.”
Sottil provided some clarity on Lazar Samardzic, who didn’t make the starting 11 against Genoa.
“It’s not that ‘he may have had a fever’. He had a fever of 38 and a half. He’s fine now. He recovered from that and the problem with his ankle. I let him rest a bit against Napoli so we could have him fully fit for Genoa, but unfortunately those problems cropped up. When you’re writing these things, you have to be honest.”
The 2-2 draw against Genoa could be the turning point that Udinese are hoping for.
“It wasn’t easy to get back in the game in that mental state. The fans understood that and responded by applauding the team for giving their all,” says Sottil.
“However, players are aware they need to up their game. They’re intelligent and can self-evaluate. I’m expecting a better performance from everyone, especially our leaders.”
One of these is Roberto Pereyra, who started against Genoa.
“They’ve got to play the minutes to get back into shape. Samardzic’s absence affected our starting line-up, but that gave others the opportunity for some game time.
“Florian Thauvin is doing everything well but he’s just lacking a goal. He’s a winner. He’s won a World Cup and he’s used to playing in the Champions League for a club like Marseille.
“Martin Payero could start but has a little physical problem that’s holding him back. Every now and again he follows a different training schedule but he’s versatile and trustworthy.”
Part of the provisional Italy squad, Lorenzo Lucca has been on top form and scored his first Serie A goal against Genoa.
“He’s doing well and he’s growing. He could have scored at least three goals. I’m certain he’ll continue to score and improve his style of play. He has enormous potential. He’s wants to be a top-class footballer.
“Thomas Kristensen also deserves some praise. He was catapulted into Serie A and immediately had to face Fiorentina, Napoli, and Genoa.”
Udinese’s rearguard will also be able to count on Christian Kabasele, who is now back from injury.
Udinese have been plagued by injuries since the beginning of the season and the absence of six players has made rotation more difficult.
“I’ve never had the full squad available. Gerard Deulofeu is one of the first names on the team sheet, as would be Enzo Ebosse, Kingsley Ehizibue and Keinan Davis. Brenner got injured at the start of the season as did Adam Masina.
“No one is happy with the results. That’s clear. I’d be able to see more of a team identity if they were all here together. What I want now is for the lads to give it their all. I’m sure we’ll come out of this rough patch.”
To overcome this battle, Udinese will have to stick to the playing philosophy they’ve been working on for over a year.
“We’ve created a lot of chances with this formation and this style of play. We’re just lacking results. We haven’t conceded many goals, except against Napoli. We’re there. We just need to find a win. We have to continue playing well as a team.
“We’re going to Empoli clear-headed. They’re lively up front, but we have the technical ability to cause problems for them.
“The staff and I are only thinking about what we need to do. I meet with the club every day. I’m only concentrating on tomorrow.”