Guidolin relishing Udinese success

Udinese manager Francesco Guidolin says he is enjoying his team’s strong start to the season, which sees them top Serie A.

But the Italian is more than aware of his need to continue to motivate his chargers to maintain their standing in the highly competitive league.

Udinese are unbeaten in the Italian top flight after seven rounds, sitting on 15 points – one clear of second-placed Lazio.

Their next match is away at Napoli on Wednesday, and Guidolin knows it will be a difficult game.

“Well, I’m facing this situation with reality and common sense. At my age I shouldn’t be too enthusiastic,” Guidolin said.

“What is happening to us is extremely beautiful and we would like to enjoy it, but we don’t have time since tomorrow we’ll be playing one of the most difficult matches in Italy against a great team.”

“We’ll try to defend our position as much as possible, but we know very well what the reality is. It’s too early, there are still 31 matches to be played from now until the end of the championship and I think it’s really too early to make any type of comment.”

“I can’t read the minds of all my players, but no one is over-confident, this is for sure. Everyone is focused on match after match and on tomorrow’s challenge. Many supporters are also saying that not so much is said about us.”

Guidolin said it is a bonus that his team’s success has not caught the imagination of the media.

“Many supporters are complaining that very few words are spent on Udinese, therefore I don’t see such media pressure on us,” he said.

“If it is present, then I haven’t noticed it. I’m calm and serene and I’m ready for tomorrow evening.”