Igor Tudor reveals he only took the Udinese job for a “long-term project” and assures he has the experience for a Serie A role.
The former Juventus and Siena defender was appointed today after Massimo Oddo’s run of 11 consecutive defeats.
“This is a delicate moment, which is why I don’t want to talk about myself too much,” said Tudor in his Press conference after signing a contract to 2019 with option to 2020.
Igor Tudor reveals he only took the Udinese job for a “long-term project” and assures he has the experience for a Serie A role.
The former Juventus and Siena defender was appointed today after Massimo Oddo’s run of 11 consecutive defeats.
“This is a delicate moment, which is why I don’t want to talk about myself too much,” said Tudor in his Press conference after signing a contract to 2019 with option to 2020.
“There is important work to be done, so we can end this season the way the club deserves, then we can resume with new energy. Udinese are a great club, I still follow Serie A and think this is an interesting squad with good young players. I already worked with Andrija Balic at Hajduk Split, but he was a child then and has now grown up.
“We’ll have to see what the players need, at times a slap, at others some love and affection.”
Tudor was a surprise pick for the job, as it’s his first Serie A management role.
“I spent 10 years in Italy as a player, including at important clubs, so if one has quality, he has to prove it. Experience helps, of course, but it’s quality that changes situations.
“Many people called me and said it wasn’t an ideal scenario, but even the Coach at Real Madrid has problems to deal with. I take it as a challenge, as I believe in myself and my squad. We’ll remain in Serie A and then have a great season.
“It all happened very quickly, I didn’t think about it much. I will certainly call Oddo. It was important for me to get a proper contract, as I didn’t want to come here just for four games. We decided to start on this project together and I appreciate that Udinese let you work.
“We initially thought about a day of training, but I told them to go home and we’ll meet up tomorrow. We have three or four days of training to be in good shape for Sunday afternoon.
“We need to work on the mentality of the players, as these are good people and they care about their work. Intensity and mentality counts for more than tactics or systems. You can start with four at the back, push up, go deeper. I study these things, but don’t like to talk about numbers too much.
“I worked with the best Coaches when I was in Italy, like Marcello Lippi, Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello. I took something from all of them, but then I have to ultimately be myself.”