Stefano Pioli gave an interview to Inter Channel and Mediaset Premium just moments before boarding the plane that will take him and the rest of the squad back to Italy to prepare for the Serie A fixture away against Udinese at the Stadio Friuli, scheduled for 12.30 kick-off CET.

“Finally we’re back to playing again after a long break, we want to restart on our feet although the break always brings a little bit of rustiness that needs to be shaken off. Our approach to work is positive, we still have the will to perfect some situations but the work has been done with the right attitude in order to be able to take on a difficult opponent like the one we face on Sunday. Also, the players are stimulated and happy with their work, which is always better. We always hope to unite the team when we work whilst also maintaining a high level of concentration.”

“The training camp went well, we’ve worked very well but we are aware that so have our opponents. We have to give everything we have for the full 95 minutes, Udinese are a quality side who are physical and have been attaining great results. We have to remain concentrated for the entire duration of the match because the mental aspect of a match is very important in a fixture. Udinese are in great shape, Delneri has adapted to the players. The coach today must know how to pull out the full potential and strength of his players, Udinese has a very elastic system of playing, very physical and with quality players. But we have to be aware of our means. There are no more easy opponents, everyone must be respected and all have their values and potential. Udinese have only lost against Napoli at home recently, we have to suffer in order to win, give our all, fight for every ball. There is always a little risk involved after a break, we have to give everything on the pitch.”

Pioli went on to speak about the meeting with Suning during the Christmas break stating that “in Beijing, towards the end of the holidays and before we left for Spain, we had a positive meeting, we spoke about the January transfer window. The owners are very ambitious and want to do very well, they’re giving us a lot of support. The owners wanted to speak with the coach and with the Sporting Director, which is normal, in order to get to know us better. The club has a solid foundation on which to grow a good present and hopefully a flourishing future.”

In conclusion Pioli answered questions about his thoughts regarding departing players during the transfer window stating that “I’m not worried about the transfer window, until now I haven’t seen any players who mentally aren’t here and from this aspect we go forward like this. But we’re professionals and we know that we have to work together, then during 1 month the situation can change. The technical and tactical aspects are affected as a consequence. The club and I are alligned with regards to any players leaving us during the transfer window.”