Udinese” data-scaytid=”1″>Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has admitted it is an honour to be shortlisted for FIFA Coach of the Year.
Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has admitted it is an honour to be shortlisted for FIFA Coach of the Year.
The Zebrette boss was one of the Coaches, including fellow Italians Roberto Mancini and Cesare Prandelli, who have been nominated for the prestigious award, and the 57-year-old has conceded he is thrilled by the news.
“It is a matter of great pride for me,” he told Udinese Channel. “And it gives me great pleasure to see my name alongside some extraordinary colleagues.
“I want to thank my team, because it is always about the players. We have experienced not one, but two, fantastic seasons, because we have had two exceptional squads that have allowed us to finish so high [in the League].
“I also want to thank the owners, who have given me the opportunity to work here, and express my ideas. I am very happy here and have everything I could ever want.
“It gives me great satisfaction [to be nominated] and I want to share it with my family – my football family.”
He also praised striker Antonio Di Natale who is amongst a 53-name list initially nominated for the 2012 Golden Ball.
“Toto fully deserves this,” he said. “He scored an avalanche of goals for our team. He is a champions, and is right to be shortlisted.”