Thomas Kristensen was the man in the Udinese Tonight hotseat this week. He spoke about Sunday's defeat to Sassuolo, Udinese's start to the season, his new position in heart of the defence and his role in the dressing room.
“We made a good start to the season and showed we can perform well against a team like Inter, but if you don't have the right mentality it's hard to get three points against Sassuolo.
“We still feel confident. You can lose to a team Milan. They're a great team who only lost their first game this season, but we can't lose the way we did on Sunday “I don't think the formation was the problem. We made too many individual mistakes, although perhaps the formation does have some impact. We felt really strong as a three in the first few games
“It's the first time in my career that I've played in the middle of a back three. I was used to playing in a four-man defence, where I played for Denmark U21 too, but I really enjoy my new position. Last year I played right centre-back in a three and even right-back. When you play there you often have to defend one on one against fast wingers. I feel strong in the middle. I'm good in the air and it's easier for me to cover. The boss tried me out in the middle in pre-season and it went well. I like playing in this position and I'm ready for the responsibility that comes with playing there.
“When players leave, others have to step up and take more responsibility. I think there's a better harmony in the dressing room this season. There are lots of good personalities. When things aren't going well generally it's the more experienced players who speak up – but I do too.
“I'm proud to be chosen to come here and talk after a bad game. I've been here for two years now and I've grown and and off the pitch. I'm ready for this sort of responsibility."