Trevisan: "We're looking for the next Palma"

Udinese academy chief Angelo Trevisan spoke about the club's youth teams when he appeared as a guest on Media 24's The Factory.

 

 

“It's basically the Under 17 team that had an excellent season last year. There are only three youngsters born in 2007 from last year's Primavera squad. It's a team that's been put together with the future in mind. As always, the goal is to find the next [Matteo] Palma for the first team; the league position is secondary. Like last year, we have the youngest team in the league. The idea is to help the kids develop.

 

“The coach, [Julio] Gutierrez, struggled a little in the first few games but he's getting to know the league now – it's the first year at this level for him too. Before the Como match they went four games unbeaten.”

 

 

“It's a team that I expect a lot from in terms of results and above all the youngsters' growth. There are some good players who could develop into footballers of a high level. I have a lot of belief in this group. Time will tell if I'm right but I'm confident they can achieve big things this season. There's a lot of potential in this U17 side but we need more consistency. Results are good for morale too.

 

 

“I chose to place [Massimiliano] Giatti in charge of the Under 16s this year because I think he has the right character and methods for this team, after they had a slightly disappointing Under 15 campaign last term considering their potential.

 

“They struggled a bit initially too but now they're starting to play and understand that this is big boys' football. I'm convinced this team can do well. 

 

“In fact, I'm going to stick my neck out and say that with our Under 17s, Under 16s and Under 15s we have three great groups who can do well both in terms of the league and their individual development.”

 

 

“He's a young kid – one of three born in 2009 that we have in our Under 20 squad. He needs to adjust to the intensity of Italian football but after two or three somewhat difficult games he's now started to show what a great player he is. I'm sure the club has made an excellent signing, with a view to the first team too.”