MARBELLA – Stefano Pioli has urged his Nerazzurri side to keep their concentration high when they travel to face Udinese on Sunday at 12:30 CET.
Speaking to Inter Channel and Mediaset Premium from Inter’s training base in Marbella, Pioli previewed the match against Gigi Delneri’s side and took stock of the Nerazzurri’s time in Spain.
"We need to give our all for the 95 minutes because Udinese are a physical side, they have real quality and they’re securing some great results,” said Pioli. “It’s important we stay focused for the whole match because the mental side of things is key in any game."
Pioli also spoke of his eagerness to get back into the swing of things after a productive training camp in Marbella.
"The league is finally set to resume after a long break," said the Inter boss. "We want to get off to a good start because the break always leaves you with a few cobwebs to blow out. There’s been a really positive approach to training here – the players are determined to perfect a few things still but we’ve shown the right attitude in preparing for a tough match on Sunday.
"The more stimulated and happier the players are in their work, the better it is for us. We’re trying to build unity and keep our concentration high by training hard. It’s been a good training camp and we’ve got through a lot of hard work, but we know our opponents will have done exactly the same."
The Nerazzurri coach was full of praise for Udinese, who have been performing well under new boss Gigi Delneri.
"Udinese are in good shape – Delneri has adapted to fit the players. Nowadays, coaches need to be able to get the best out of the players they have. Udinese have a very flexible playing style – they’re physical and have some quality players. That said, we need to believe in our own abilities.
"There are no easy opponents anymore. All teams deserve respect – they all have their own strengths and potential. The only home match Udinese have lost recently was against Napoli, so if we want to win we’ll have to work hard, give 100% and fight for every ball. There’s always a level of risk after the break, so we have to give our all on the pitch."
Pioli flew to China shortly after Christmas to meet with the club’s owners, and the Inter boss revealed it was a productive trip.
"We had a very positive meeting in Nanjing after the holidays and just before we left for Spain. We spoke about the January transfer window. The owners are ambitious and want to be very successful – they’re showing us great support. They wanted to speak to and get to know the coach and sporting director better, which is completely normal. The club now has a solid base upon which to build a good present and – I hope – a prosperous future.
"I’m not worried about the transfer window. I don’t see anyone with their heads elsewhere so we will just kick on from here, though the situation can change over the course of the month. We’re professionals and we know that we have to work together – the tactical and technical aspects will come as a result of that. The club and I share the same opinion in terms of outgoings in the transfer window."
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