04 March 2022
04 March 2022

Cioffi: "Fans' energy and support an extra incentive"

The boss looks ahead to Udinese’s clash with Sampdoria

Gabriele Cioffi spoke exclusively with Udinese TV ahead of Matchday 28 in Serie A and looked ahead to the game with Sampdoria.
 
This is what he had to say:
 
Coach, what kind of motivation and feeling did the draw at San Siro give you but especially how pleased have you been with team’s work ethic?
“We came out of that game very satisfied. Until the very last kick of the game the boys showed me that they could and wanted to win the match. This was a feeling that we all felt. I really liked how we handled the last minutes of the game, unlike the reverse fixture when we conceded a late goal.”
 
What have you asked your players to do ahead of this must-win match against Sampdoria?
“Every match is a must-win. I haven't asked them to do anything different to what I wanted in the past. The message that we focus on, daily, is to strive for consistency and to do better every time we train.”
 
What kind of game are you expecting against Marco Giampaolo’s team?
“I expect to see a team that wants to set the record straight after losing to Atalanta. They played two fantastic matches against Sassuolo and Empoli. I expect to see a Sampdoria side that is now fully aligned with their coach’s identity. I expect to see Giampaolo’s Sampdoria.”
 
We’ve seen Giampaolo try out different formations. Do you feel you’re prepared for any kind of scenario?
“You always have a set way of preparing for a match, but you always do so in line with the opposing coach’s style of play.”
 
Can you summarise how this week went and give us an update on Bram Nuytinck’s fitness?
“Everyone trained very well this week. We always try to consolidate a specific aspect of our game or improve what we can. Bram is a very important player for us whom I consider as a starting XI player when he’s fit. He’s slowly getting back to normal, he’s not quite there yet but he’s working hard to get back and we can’t wait to have him back.” 
 
We are expecting a lot of fans at Dacia Arena for this match. How important will their support be? How important is the Dacia Arena factor and do you have a message for supporters?
“To play in front of a full crowd is wonderful. It makes us happy and it gives us energy. To see the Dacia Arena full of fans will give us even more energy. Their enthusiasm provides us with a boost - it's an incentive for us. Obviously, we play for ourselves, we play for individual and team goals, but at the end of the day we play for the fans. The fans’ joy is what makes football special. We’re going to have to channel their support into energy, bravery and strength to make them proud of us.”
 
A word on the situation in Ukraine. What are your thoughts about what is happening?
“Here we're playing football and in Ukraine they are at war. No matter what answer I give you it is unimportant. Personally, I believe most wars are decided by a select few and that unfortunately many people then fight for ideals that aren’t their own. We need to support the Ukrainian population who are victims of this folly.”