As a guest on Udinese Tonight on Monday, Destiny Udogie spoke about the team’s good run of form and how much he’s relishing the challenge of Serie A.
“We’re all pleased. We really wanted to showcase our quality and we’re thrilled with how it’s going at the moment.
“[Gabriele] Cioffi has been working on changing our attitude. We’re more aggressive for the 90 minutes without ever giving up and we’re seeing the results. The only thing we’re lacking is being able to close out games sooner. That’s something that we’re working hard on.
“The defeat against Verona was a blow and a real eye-opener for us. After that game, something switched within the squad. It was a tough lesson to take.
“The coach’s way of doing things really gets us fired up. He gives us advice, always pushes us forward and that makes a big difference. He always inspires the team with his pre-match team talks so we head out on to the pitch full of motivation. He asks us to be clinical and get more efforts on goal in.
“I didn’t expect to explode in quite the way that I’ve done in recent months. It was a choice that I believed in and was hopeful about. I’m pleased with how my season is going and I hope to keep improving. I’m very focused and try to give my all game after game.
“I often get into shooting positions and I’ve told myself I have to try to finish chances off as quickly as possible. I try to break into the box as much as I can to score goals and provide assists. I think it’s coming off for me.
“My father always tells me to stay calm, enjoy the moment, play carefree and not let it go to my head because I’m still young. I’m trying to heed his advice. I’m just enjoying Serie A to the max as I’m still young.
"I feel good playing at wing-back because it’s a position that allows me to express myself. I think I’d feel more at ease at full-back rather than further up the pitch.
“Going to the World Cup is the biggest dream of all because you’re representing an entire country. It would be incredible for me.
“Gerard [Deulofeu] is a top player. He can make the difference and now that he’s fit, everything can see that.
“I tried playing on the right during a training camp. It’s a bit different from what I’m doing now but it is still an option.
“The target by the end of the season is to help the team as much as possible, to score more goals and get more assists. I hope to keep improving as much as I can as a player.”