Andrea Sottil explains why Udinese are perfectly suited to his ‘aggressive’ coaching style after a fifth consecutive victory to stun Inter.
Incredibly, this is Sottil’s debut Serie A campaign as a coach and he has already matched the best ever Udinese start to the season, with 16 points just like in 2000-01.
Nicolò Barella had opened the scoring for Inter with a sensational free kick, but Milan Skriniar scored an own goal, followed by Gerard Deulofeu assisting late headers for Jaka Bijol and Tolgay Arslan.
“It’s incredibly satisfying. The credit goes to this fantastic group of players who train intensely every day to prepare for games,” Sottil told Sky Sport Italia.
“We have grown as a team, game after game, it was another very intense performance with the team tight, defending well, creating a great deal, and those who came off the bench did really well too.
“It was another great victory against a big club. I am happy for the lads, they deserve the credit. Tucu Pereyra is our captain, a real leader, and when we had problems on the right we met midway, as he was ready to help and I made adjustments to his role. I like having a dynamic wing-back who can move around and be a real attacking winger at times too.”
That made it five consecutive Serie A victories for the Friulani, who already smashed Roma 4-0 here and are at least temporarily now top of the table.
Udinese have also shown a tendency to complete comebacks this season, overturning trailing situations to win.
“I played for Udinese for four years, so I know this is a top club and whoever comes here just has to focus on work, because the club takes care of everything else.
“I have my way of approaching football, which is aggressive, determined and does this regardless of who is the opposition. The team understood that and is well suited to this mentality, so the identity just keeps growing.
“When we go behind, the lads keep going and start the fightback.”
Sottil was a defender during his playing career, above all with Udinese and Fiorentina, but insists it influenced his coaching style in a different way.
“It is precisely because I spent a lifetime chasing down strikers that I know it’s important to attack and work on preventative marking. This team has great intensity and we go hard in training because they allow me to do that.
“There is also quality, players who are devastating running into space, so I like attacking in numbers and it’s something we intend to continue.”
Undisputed coach of the month for September