Kosta Runjaic spoke to the media on Friday ahead of Udinese's Serie A fixture with Hellas Verona.
The coach began by commenting on the team's growth in light of Monday's draw at Lazio, before concentrating on Saturday's opponents at Bluenergy Stadium.
"We've shown that we can play well regardless of the formation we use. We focus on our movement, our principles and mutual understanding – those things are more important than 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. We're improving and that's partly because we've been working together for a while now and the lads are building more of a connection.
“I feel optimistic about tomorrow. It will be the same challenge as always in that we'll be playing a team intent on taking at least a point off us and putting in a solid performance. We want to keep things tight defensively and turn defending into attacking. When we attack we need to use the space well.
“When we played Verona earlier this season, we played well but didn't manage to score. It wasn't an easy game. It's important we maintain our shape tomorrow, keep hold of the ball, put pressure on them and are incisive up front. We have nothing to fear. We have to do the things we know we can do and what we've worked on this week.”
Runjaic went on to discuss his selection options, specifically the left-back position and the possibility of using a three-pronged attack featuring Florian Thauvin, Alexis Sanchez and Lorenzo Lucca.
“[Hassane] Kamara played well against Lazio but he picked up a booking which means who won't be available tomorrow. [Jordan] Zemura will start. He made a good contribution in Rome too but he's lost his starting spot to Kamara. I hope he makes the most of this opportunity and goes into the international break with a good feeling.
“It's possible that Thauvin, Sanchez and Lucca could play together but I can't give you an answer now and even if I could I wouldn't. Wishes are one thing – and I understand the questions on this – but reality is different. I never exclude anything and there are no easy decisions.
“Thauvin and Lucca work well together – they understand each other. If they're fit and we decide to go with two strikers, they will play. But Sanchez and [Simone] Pafundi are working well. Alexis is very important for the team. He's had opportunities and he'll get others.
“I hope that regardless of who plays tomorrow, we work well as a team, play with the right energy and do everything we can for 90 minutes to play well and win. We know that Verona can be a troublesome side to play against. We must go to bed tonight with positive feelings, wake up feeling even better and produce a big performance in front of our fans.”