Florian Thauvin and Hassane Kamara spoke with the media after Damian Pizarro's press unveiling in Bad Kleinkirchheim on Tuesday. Here's a pick of what they had to say...
Florian Thauvin
“I'm working really hard to get back to my best, as I was a few years ago. I've played over 400 games as a professional, in some top competitions, and I'm happy to have a lot of responsibility in the dressing room. When I came here from Mexico I had a minor physical problem which caused me to lose 4 kg of muscle mass. I had to work to build it back and get to a decent level. I think I played well in the last few months of last season.
“Last year was the toughest season of my career – it was very unusual. I did everything I could on and off the field to help out. I don't want to see this club in the situation we were in last year again. The more time I spend here, the more I'm in love with Udinese.
“I like the position [Kosta] Runjaic has me playing in, starting on the right. The coach is giving us lots of confidence. He wants us to play the ball and enjoy ourselves. That's the only way we can control the game and try to win.
“I'd be very proud to be club captain and wear the No.10 shirt but it's up to the club to decide. And as for the No.10, I'll have to see with [Gerard] Deulofeu, who I respect a lot.
“With all the experience I have, I sometimes tell the others about what I've been through. I've learnt to appreciate the fact that I'm an important player for the club I play for. I'm very happy to be an important player for Udinese.”
Hassane Kamara
“Last season I learnt to be smarter and calmer and analyse opponents to understand when to attack and when to back off and defend. We mustn't waste any time this year. Last season we secured our top-flight status right at the end so this year we need to work hard from the off.
“We were a bit cagey at the start of pre-season. Now we're doing a lot of ball work, we're all happy and there's a great atmosphere. We want to keep this up so that we can get off to a strong start in the league.
“Football is nothing without the fans and it's so nice to have their support. We all saw how different it was during Covid. Football is a spectacle and the fans are a crucial part. It's great to see people so happy. I try to be natural and open to them.”