Gabriele Cioffi was a happy man after Udinese outclassed Empoli at Dacia Arena on Saturday yet keen to stress that his side are anything but the finished product.
“It's not and never has been about winning or not winning games – it's about taking on the challenge before you. Today the challenge was to show we still had the desire and I think we succeeded in that.
“We weren't at our best in the first half. We managed to break up their play and keep them at bay but we rushed things going forward. At half time we said we needed to stick to our game plan, then we went back out there and proved ourselves.
“Overall it was an excellent performance. We're happy to be playing this sort of football but we want to enjoy the moment, enjoy Easter and then we'll think of Salernitana. We'll take stock at the end.”
Victory means Udinese are all but certain of remaining in Serie A for another season.
“Results don't fall from the sky; you obtain them through hard work. We have seven matches left to play, which means 21 points. We mustn't set any limits and if we want 21 points – or at least not zero – we have to keep training hard.”
The coach went on to discuss the contribution of the home fans and the possibility of his contract being extended.
“The atmosphere was spine-tingling today. I love Friuli. I'm really happy here If the club want to renew my contract, they'll do so; if not, I'll pack up my bags and go somewhere else. There would be no problem whatsoever. In any case, I'm focused on the here and now and we can't allow ourselves to let up in the slightest.”
Finally, Cioffi commented on the performance of several players, starting with man of the match Gerard Deulofeu.
“He hasn't done anything yet and he knows it,” the coach smiled. “I whispered a few compliments in his ear during the game but we need to think about the team and not individuals.
“[Lazar] Samardzic has been penalised in the past but he's got on with the job, kept training well and remained respectful. Now he's getting his opportunities. I'm very happy – he's like a new signing for us.
“[Ignacio] Pussetto scored a crucial goal when we were on the ropes after their penalty.
“[Roberto] Pereyra has a muscle strain and hopefully it's nothing more than that. He won't be available on Wednesday but we have other players who can fill in for him more than adequately.”