Udinese’s recently-appointed caretaker coach Gabriele Cioffi, was interviewed by Udinese TV’s Michele Criscitiello. Here are some of the highlights:
“The call from the Pozzo family and sporting director Pierpaolo Marino took me by surprise. I was expecting to be let go. It happened on the spur of the moment. I can’t wait to get stuck in and get the lads fired up. I’d say that motivating others is a key part of my approach.
“As for our poor goalscoring record so far this season, the blame has to be shared amongst the team. It’s all water under the bridge, and now it’s just down to me to get the lads feeling hungry again and channelling their frustration in a positive way. Aside from the mental factors we’ve got the football itself – without the requisite tactical and technical skills you won’t get anywhere. Yet motivation is the spark which ignites a team.
“I’ve been given an opportunity and I want to see it through. If it goes well it will because I’ve stuck to my ideas; if it doesn’t then I’ll have learnt a lesson.
“I’ve already served as a head coach, in youth teams while working abroad. Yet Serie A is a different kettle of fish; you’re up against coaches who really know their trade and what they’re doing. When coaching youth teams it’s more about imparting your knowledge, while in the top flight players are already aware of such things.
“How will my team set itself out? It’s not about certain tactics or formations; the key is in the way we approach games. It doesn’t matter what system you use if your approach isn’t on point. Attitude is key; everything else is secondary.
“The Milan game is another big reason for us to try and turn things around. This team has a lot of potential, but to make the transition from being a team merely with potential to a team able to make the most of said potential happens with the right approach and outlook.”