Udinese coach Andrea Sottil is delighted after his first season in charge.
The Zebrette enjoyed a stunning first-half of the season before their form eventually tailed off.
But Sottil is still pleased with his players and told Udinese Tonight: “There are still two games left and we hope to finish as well as possible. It’s my first season in Serie A so, these guys, I really thank them, they were my first group and I will always keep them in my heart. They gave me so much and have followed me from day one.
“I have lived beautiful moments with great results and difficult moments, in which we have always come out together. I think I have established a wonderful relationship with them on a human level. Today we have 46 points and two games to go. Thanks again to the boys, in my opinion we had an excellent championship.
“At the time of signing, I was imagining how my approach and managing a Serie A group could be. In front of me I have talented guys, players with a great experience and therefore, in some ways, it’s easier to compare yourself with Serie A players. Serie A is on another level, I noticed it immediately but, I also understood, that I have to always remain myself, as in Serie C. Credible, as I think I was.”
Sottil continued: “Could we have done more? Of course, you can always improve. It’s normal that, when you make one of the best starts in Serie A with Udinese, everyone always wants the best and expects you to continue with that average points average. Of course, we all wanted to continue in that way, however, football and the Serie A championship are made up of moments.
“When I arrived in Udine, the Ownership and the Director had asked me to create a team with a very specific identity, creating a winning, going on the pitch to play against everyone. I think I did this, as well as enhancing some players.
“I feel satisfied with the work done with these guys. Not everything was perfect, we could have played some games better, like with Torino and Bologna, but we also won with the European finalists at the end of the championship, each team will have the points it deserves throughout the season.”
