Collecchio, 17 April 2026 – Carlos Cuesta's thoughts ahead of Serie A Matchday 33 against Udinese, speaking in the press conference room at the Mutti Training Centre.
UDINESE ARE STRUCTURED, TECHNICAL AND ATHLETIC
“We know it will be an extremely difficult challenge. They have gone more than 300 minutes without conceding a goal. They are a very structured side with highly driven players, strong technical quality and physicality, as well as excellent collective organisation. They are a very consistent team in the league and have players with real individual quality. It will be very difficult, but when this team is faced with big challenges it manages to raise its level and give 100%. We are aware of the difficulty but we want to prepare for the match with maximum commitment. As for their attacking options, they can play with a physically intimidating striker up front or change their system and use a more mobile forward. They have several weapons. Our focus must be on ourselves, doing the right things and trying to take the game where we want it, because we know they have many different solutions. Regarding the squad, a few players have had minor issues during the week and we are still evaluating their availability for the match. We come from a week in which we produced a very good performance and took a point, but we are fully aware of the importance of tomorrow’s game. Our aim is to get back on a positive run of results and, if possible, return to winning ways.”
WE STILL HAVEN'T ACHIEVED OUR OBJECTIVE
'We are not safe yet, so our sole focus is on earning points and producing performances. Together with the staff, I try to help the players express themselves and develop their full potential. I have tried to support everyone as much as possible so they can shine and be the best version of themselves. When you follow a certain path or playing idea it may benefit some players more than others, but the group has always shown the willingness and adaptability to do what the team needs. Thirty-six points like last season? I don’t judge the past because I wasn’t part of it. My focus is on the present. We are ready for tomorrow and want to collect as many points as possible. Evaluations will come at the end of the season. Our mentality is that the journey is never finished. Development never stops. Tomorrow we go to Udine to represent Parma Calcio and pursue both collective and individual objectives. We want to perform at our best. It has been six matches without a win, although we have taken positive results in the last two weeks. Positivity helps, but we must keep working hard and avoid distractions.”
THE PLAYERS DESERVE FULL CREDIT
“Criticism of the team’s style of play? Everyone has their own opinion. I respect it and try to listen to learn something from it. First of all, it is positive that people are thinking about Parma. It gives you ideas and makes you reflect. It doesn’t bother me personally, but I do feel it can overlook the work the players are doing. Playing well or badly is subjective. Football has many phases and moments. Against certain opponents you prioritise some phases more than others: for example, against Napoli we had to manage 55 low-block situations, which is unusual for us. Doing things well can be difficult, but these players are doing many things well and we know we want to improve further along our path. Were we proud of the draw against the reigning champions? We always want to improve and evolve. We wanted to win that game, but now it’s in the past. Our focus is on tomorrow. All the players in the squad have talent and quality. With five substitutions matches can change a lot, so the value of every player — those who start and those on the bench — is very high. Everyone must be ready to make an impact.”
FOREIGN COACHES IN SERIE A
“It’s a trend you see everywhere. Even in the Premier League there are many foreign coaches. Clubs make choices based on who they believe can add value to the team, the club and the project. I haven’t brought anything revolutionary. I simply did what I felt was right. There has been adaptability, change and evolution throughout the season. Football is always contextual. The value isn’t novelty — it’s making the right decisions. Sometimes I don’t get them right, but I always try to do the best possible.”
