After a one-week training camp, boss Andrea Sottil assessed the general state of his squad with an eye on the clash with Sampdoria on Sunday.
“First of all, I think it was a great gesture by the team to have a training camp. It was the right time and we analysed the situation as we always do, with a clear head. I wouldn’t see it as a training camp punishment, but as a very intelligent step showing that we’re taking responsibility in a bid to improve. We certainly have the desire, focus and determination to turn things around.
“Out of respect for our fans, we wanted to have this training camp which I think we’ve come out of in good shape. I’m sure that we’ll be up for a battle against Sampdoria.”
The news that Juventus’s point deduction has seen Udinese go up into seventh place doesn’t change anything in the coach’s plans. “We’ll take note of the new league standings, but we just need to focus on ourselves. We know we’ll be playing at a stadium that’s full of passion and against a team that will be up for a fight in the battle for survival. We’ll need to play our game and show our competitive spirit.
“We have a clear identity that I want to carry forward. We haven’t won in recent weeks, but we created so much against Bologna, with nine chances in total. I did all the analysis and testing that I wanted to do during the week. The players are all raring to go.
“Roberto Pereyra has had a few aches and pains, but he’s had a good week. [Gerard] Deulofeu is available and has been in full training as normal. He needs to get his match sharpness back, but it’s great to have him available again.”
Sottil also looked back on his opposite number’s playing days. “Dejan Stankovic was always a player with a fantastic temperament and quality. He showed his leadership back then as well as his personality. His Samp team is up for a battle. They run hard and play with intensity. We’ll need to be on form to withstand the onslaught, which we will, also to hurt them in the areas where we think we can.”
The boss finished off by reiterating exactly what he wants from his players on the pitch. “We need to start with the performance, which has been up and down in recent weeks. We need consistent Udinese performances for 100 minutes in line with the situation. The lads know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m covering everything: technique, tactics, focus, motivation, hunger and quality for those who start and those who come on. That’s where we have to begin and then get points on the board, which is the most important thing.”