Udinese must show they're capable of overcoming their extensive injury problems and get back to winning ways on home soil, says Luca Gotti. The coach was speaking to Udinese TV ahead of Sunday's match against Sampdoria.
What did you say after the defeat to Napoli and how is the team looking going into the last two games?
“We said what we had to say but sometimes you find yourselves in critical situations. You can say all you want but then we have to bounce back in practice on the pitch and that's the hardest part.”
Might some of the players recover in time for tomorrow or the last game against Inter?
“[Tolgay] Arslan and [Sebastien] De Maio picked up injuries against Bologna and although they're not serious they're going to be ruled out for the remainder of the season. It's two more names to add to the long list of players whose season has been cut short. [Bram] Nuytinck is expected to recover a little sooner but even he is unlikely to return before 23 May, although he's trying his best to at least be available for selection on the final day.”
Udinese haven't won at Dacia Arena since 6 March. Does that give the team added motivation to sign off with a home win?
“It has to. Motivation is crucial in this job. It bothers me a lot that we haven't won at home for so long. It only heightens our regret at how the games against Juventus and Bologna panned out.”
What are you expecting from Sampdoria? Do you hope to close the gap with them in the table?
“You should always set out to win in sport. On paper this match is similar to the one against Bologna: two teams who will set out to win it without being under any particular pressure.”
What's the main threat posed by Claudio Ranieri's side?
“What makes Sampdoria dangerous for everyone who plays them is the quality they possess, especially in attack. They have players who can score lots of goals and you can't afford to give them any space or they'll punish you. We experienced that in our recent meetings with them. The first of the three with me in charge was heavily swayed by a red card at the start of the second half. The other two seemed to be going in our favour for the first 70 minutes then turned in the final 20 minutes, when we paid the price. We'll try to learn from the past experience.”