Guidolin concerned about winter lull

Udinese head coach Francesco Guidolin is anxious the Serie A’s winter break may affect his side in the second half of the season.

An impressive start to the season saw Udinese sit third on the table – just two points off leaders AC Milan.

They begin the second half of their season on Sunday against Cesena, a side that Guidolin believes could spring a surprise.

“Of course I’m worried, because from one hand the break has surely recharged the guys and we really needed to rest, but on the other hand it’s always tricky after a break, therefore I’m focused and nervous,” Guidolin said.

“The match will be tough because it’s the first one after the break and we shouldn’t also forget our opponent: they’ve been playing well from some time now.”

“Everyone knows Cesena is a good team, everyone said Cesena have done good things on the transfer market, looking at the quality of their squad and that’s right, everyone says that, me included. They’re a well-trained team and they’re very dangerous.”

Guidolin ruled out any players leaving the club in January, saying he would need his full squad to help negotiate a challenging run home.

“We cannot allow ourselves to put this close group in danger, me included. We know we had a difficult season ahead of us, difficult for all the teams, but a bit more complicated for teams like us,” he said.

“From tomorrow, for example, we will have to face the problem of the Africa Cup of Nations and three of our players will participate, so we won’t have them for 40 days and that’s why the strength of our squad is key.”

“We must believe it every time we go on the pitch or in the changing room. That’s the only way we can have some satisfactions and the only way our qualities will be enhanced.”