16 April 2021
16 April 2021

Gotti: “We must raise our game”

The boss previews Saturday's match with Crotone

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Luca Gotti has called on his side to 'raise their game' going into this weekend's Serie A fixture against Crotone, following a run of three straight defeats.
 
Read on to find out what the boss had to say to Udinese TV.

After a week-long training camp to sharpen the team's focus, how are the players looking going into this game?
 
“They look angry and determined, just as they seemed the week before our game against Torino, although we ended up with a bad result from that one.”
 
How have the players been training this week? Do you think the pressure of having to win at all costs might get to them?
 
“Top-level players have the mental strength to always give their all, whether it's after three wins or three defeats, and regardless of the opposition. I'd like to think that we're able to raise our game. That's what we mean by 'mentality'.”
 
Could extra incentive be provided by having targets to aim for?
 
“If you look at the league table, there are opportunities there. It's up to us to seize those opportunities.”
 
How's the team looking fitness-wise? And how is Bram Nuytinck doing now that he's back in full training?

“As I said last week, we left out Nuytinck against Torino as a precaution. His was only a minor problem and he's trained all week with the rest of the team. Players have ups and downs over the course of the season but everyone is available for selection.”
 
There was a lot of talk about Udinese's difficulty in causing problems for Torino. Might we see a slightly more attacking side against Crotone? For example, with Roberto Pereyra in midfield like against Atalanta?

“We've played 30 games so far and if the statistics suggested that one solution was much better than another we'd obviously stick with that. Udinese have scored goals when Pereyra has been playing both in midfield and in attack. And there have been times when we haven't scored with him playing both in midfield and attack. You have to look at the match as a whole, the opponents and each player's form at the time. There's no magic formula which guarantees results.”

What type of game are you expecting? Given their league position, do you think it's a bit easier for Crotone now that the pressure is off?
 
“I don't know if it makes it easier for them. Crotone have scored 13 goals in their last five games and made it hard for everyone they've played against. We have a lot of respect for them. I think having 18 points more than them could be an advantage for us.”