Following Udinese’s final summer pre-season friendly in Austria, Oier Zarraga discussed the work done by the team throughout their training camp, focusing on the improvements made and his personal opinions on the new season.
What’s your overall assessment of this final friendly and, more generally, of your pre-season in Austria?
“The fact that we lost this match is not what matters most. Over the past few weeks, we’ve worked hard both physically and tactically and I believe that, day by day, we’re improving. Even though we didn’t win, we’re on the right path and we must keep this up to be ready for our opening Coppa Italia match.”
You’ve been playing for Udinese for four seasons: what kind of group have you seen grow during this pre-season?
“I’d already noticed something change last season. I see a good team, made up of people of great character. We need to keep working with this mentality because, at the end of the day, the results we all want to achieve will come.”
How are you finding all this from a personal point of view, also in terms of the various formations you’ve been trying out these past few weeks?
“Throughout my career, I’ve played in many different formations. I like it when I can be close to the ball and play in the middle of the pitch, but I’m always at the coach’s disposal. Whatever position I’m asked to play in, I try to give it my all and I keep working very hard.”