15 January 2023
15 January 2023

Udinese v Bologna, Sottil: "We absolutely have to turn things around"

The coach shared his thoughts after the defeat

Andrea Sottil called on his players to stick together as they look to regain form after a second straight Serie A defeat, this time against Bologna. 

"We have to be even more united. We have to reflect on things too," the coach said after the loss.

"It was a strange match – in the first 25 minutes played well, producing good football, then Bologna regained territory and, especially in the second half, they had more pace than us. We conceded from our own throw-in and from a corner kick. There are things we need to go over."

He added: "We are all aware that this is not good enough. We can look at the statistics – we had more possession of the ball and took more shots than Bologna, but in football results are what count. We absolutely have to turn things around.

"I have nothing to complain about from the point of view of commitment – the boys gave everything. I will however make physical, technical and tactical evaluations – things must change."

Sottil acknowledged that Bologna were deserved winners on the day: "I didn't like how we played, especially in the second half. In moments like this, you need to have character and courage, and leave fear and anxiety in the dressing room. Today I didn't see our usual team, except in the first few minutes. We have to be ourselves for the whole 90 minutes, not just in flashes." 

Looking ahead to the next match against Sampdoria, the coach said: "It's been a long time since we've won a game. We are all professionals, and we must work hard to prepare ourselves in the best possible way for the next match."

Commenting on Gerard Deulofeu's fitness, he added: "He some work with the team during the week. I believe that from Tuesday he will return to full training."