Cioffi I want my enthusiasm to rub off on the lads
Udinese's coach spoke to the club's channel
Coach Gabriele Cioffi gave his thoughts to Udinese TV ahead of Sunday’s game against Milan.
How’s this week been for you? Yesterday you mentioned that getting the job was an opportunity you wanted to seize with both hands. I'd imagine you want this energy to rub off on the players.
I want the players to feel my enthusiasm. The most important thing to bear in mind is taking responsibility and motivating individuals. I’m no miracle worker, I can’t just look at a player and turn them into a world-beater. The first step is dealing with the situation we’re in.
I want the players to feel my enthusiasm. The most important thing to bear in mind is taking responsibility and motivating individuals. I’m no miracle worker, I can’t just look at a player and turn them into a world-beater. The first step is dealing with the situation we’re in.
How have the players been doing since the tough defeat to Empoli which led to a change in regime? What have you asked of them since you took charge?
To take responsibility and be aware that we’re in this situation for a reason. In order to get out of this mire we need to get to the root of why we got here in the first place.
You’ve obviously not had long in which to instil any concrete ideas on the team but have you come up with any different tactical approaches?
What the team has done over the last two years isn’t something we should just dismiss entirely. Obviously I’ll put my mark on things with my beliefs and desires.
How is Becao doing? Has he been training with the squad this week and might he be ready for Sunday’s game?
Becao is keen to play. We’ll see as nothing’s set in stone.
Your venture as head coach starts with a big challenge: Milan. Might facing such a top team serve a springboard for the team?
That’s how people perceive it from the outside. Everyone at the club is motivated for every game, but if we’re not up for it these springboards don’t serve any purpose.
What kind of game are you expecting? They’re missing some important players and have just been knocked out of the Champions League. Are you expecting them to face a wounded animal?
Milan have been working as a unit for three years and have got some good results. I think we’ll be under the cosh and will need to show great resilience and desire. There’s no chance it’ll be a walk in the park.
Milan are enjoying a great season. What are Stefano Piolo’s team’s qualities? They’ve won more away games than any other side in 2021 and have 14 different goalscorers among their ranks.
They’ve got many options and players who can offer different things, yet they apply the same principles. We’ll need to be on high alert throughout. It’s a tough start but one in which we’ll learn a lot about ourselves.