Pierpaolo Marino discussed all manner of topics when he was hosted on this week's Udinese Tonight show.
The technical director began by reflecting on the team's recent upturn in form, which culminated in Saturday's impressive 3-1 win over AC Milan.
“It's definitely a positive spell for us but I said as much. After the Bologna game it seemed like we were deep in crisis but I came here and told you this team would show their quality – and that's what they did. In any case, people shouldn't really talk about a crisis for a team that has lost fewer matches than anyone except Lazio, Napoli and Juve. Even when things weren't going our way, we were always playing well. 14 points in 11 matches does not equate to a crisis. However, we mustn't fall into the trap of thinking Udinese can always produce performances like the one on Saturday. I think Torino and Bologna were the only times we underperformed. With the old rule of two points for a win, we'd be fourth in the table.”
The turnaround was seemingly sparked by Andrea Sottil's angry reaction to the draw with Spezia, with the team earning two wins and a draw since then.
“I think Sottil's outburst came at the right time and in the right way. There are multiple factors at play in any run of results: physical condition, how united the team are in striving for a goal, luck.
“The coach realised that opponents had worked out the way we play and he prepared different tactics to throw them off, like against Empoli. He studied our opponents meticulously, anticipated their moves and annulled them. Empoli get 11 men behind the ball then play it up to their pacy forwards between the lines and we stopped them from doing that.
“On Saturday evening I was asked if our team was too top-heavy but I was strongly believed in the balanced side put out by Sottil and the result was proof of that. When you have a positive goal difference, it means you deserve to be in the top half.”
Marino was asked about Roberto Mancini's comments on Simone Pafundi.
“I've been asked this question lots of times today and I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with him. I'll tell you a secret: I started talking to [Gabriele] Gravina a year and a half ago about our plans for Pafundi, and Italy's are in line with our own. Simone trains with the first team all the time because we want to develop him and look after him, giving him all the advantages of training and playing with the senior players. He has a lot of room for improvement but with the quality he has he's a potential top player. We applaud Mancini's comments and plans for him. He'll soon be able to express his potential. He's a huge asset and Mancini is right to believe in him. He is rated as highly by Italy as he is in Udine.”
The programme ended with the technical director speaking about Andrea Sottil's future.
"Sottil has done an excellent job in his first year in Serie A. He knows and understands the club and the city, he's well-liked by everyone and we're in complete unison. I don't see any reason why the club shouldn't exercise the option to extend his contract. The fans can rest assured.”