Francesco Guidolin admits he was only happy with Udinese‘s” data-scaytid=”2″>Udinese's second half performance to defeat Atletico Madrid, but hails Antonio Floro Flores.
Francesco Guidolin admits he was only happy with Udinese's second half performance to defeat Atletico Madrid, but hails Antonio Floro Flores.
The Friulani snatched a 2-0 Europa League victory with two late goals from Mehdi Benatia and Floro Flores to go three points clear at the top of Group I.
“We played badly in the first half and were perhaps crushed by our own timidity,” said the Coach.
“In the second 45 minutes we raised the tempo and you saw the real Udinese. The success came in the final minutes, perhaps with a bit of luck, but that doesn't matter.
“After all, we had a great chance to open the scoring just before half-time.”
Floro Flores missed a sitter in the opening minutes, though doubled the lead in stoppages to ensure Antonio Di Natale was not missed.
“I am very happy for him, as I consider Floro Flores to be one of the best strikers I have ever trained,” insisted Guidolin.
“It is a very difficult group and I don't know how many more points we need to qualify, but the objective is to reach the knockouts. Besides, there is still the question mark around Sion.”
Swiss team Sion had originally beaten Celtic in the play-off, but were thrown out of the Europa League for fielding ineligible players in that tie.
Sion do not agree with the decision and have had several appeals rejected, but aim to continue their legal battle to be reinstated into Group I.
In the other game this evening, Celtic held Rennes to a 1-1 draw.