Andrea Sottil declared himself happy with the progress made by his blossoming team following their 4-1 victory over Catanzaro in the Coppa Italia.
“The squad has changed a lot this season – we have three new wing-backs, for a start. It's not easy to get everything clicking straight away but we're in good place. We're trying to get the new lads to understand how I want them to move when we attack and defend. Our movement's not completely fluid yet but I saw lots of good things, especially in the second half. We have another week to go before Serie A starts so there's time to fine-tune things.”
He then commented on Catanzaro's equaliser just minutes after Udinese had taken the lead.
“It came about from a series of mistakes we shouldn't be making. We struggled a little when they were in possession because we weren't sliding across properly in defence. We did better towards the end of the first half and in the second I saw the team I want – fast, aggressive, winning possession high up. Catanzaro rarely got into our half after that.
“We're getting close to our best condition. A real match like tonight's helps you get ready: when you're playing for three points or to reach the next round, you find extra adrenaline and focus compared to a friendly. After our first few league games we'll be in tip-top shape. We have another friendly tomorrow morning to get minutes in the legs of those who didn't play tonight so that we can get the whole squad more or less at the same level.
“I have the defence and attack that I want clear in mind but we're still getting a feel for things in midfield.
“With the wing-backs we have I can choose different strategies depending on the match. I hope the transfer window shuts as soon as possible.”
The best performer on the night – with a goal and an assist – was Florian Thauvin, and Sottil says he never doubted the January signing would come good.
“You don't forget how to play football. I've always said he just needed time to get back to the intensity level of Serie A and now we're seeing the results. He's beating his man, getting into space and getting on the end of crosses.”
Among the players missing were Nehuen Perez, due to suspension, and Isaac Success, whom Sottil explained “is getting back to fitness and is a vital player for us.
Sottil has words of praise for Christian Kabasele and Oier Zarraga, who turned in impressive displays on their competitive debuts for the club.
“Kabasele is an extremely reliable defender and he understood the brand of football I want to play immediately.”
“Zarraga is a tidy midfielder who's handy at both ends of the field. He doesn't have the strongest physique but he's skilful, resilient and gets forward well. That first-time pass he played to set up Lorenzo Lucca is the hallmark of a top player with room for improvement.”
Marley Ake also made his debut with a brief cameo at the end.
“He's the sort of player whose versatility can come in handy. We need to give him time and help him develop.”