Collecchio, 28 February 2025 - Cristian Chivu's words, during a press conference ahead of Matchday 27 against Udinese

WE'RE IN A DARK ZONE, WE MUST FIND THE LIGHT

“After the match against Bologna I was pleased to see the boys smiling and happy as they understood the importance of those three poinrs. We must never forget to celebrate and to be happy but we must remain responsible and humble as there is still a long way to go. We have 12 matches left and they are all cup finals for us so we must do all we can to get out of this dark zone and we must find the light. We must continue to understand how to get out of this. I would say that one win gives you a bit more calmness and confidence. There are many things to do, but we did what we had to against Bologna: we performed well tactically and technically but we also held our nerve and managed the match well. We have a long way to go and we will teach the team to be responsible and to manage their emotions, which is the most difficult thing for everyone. However we must continue to work and stay grounded. We have already seen what we're capable of thanks to this. How are the team? They are well and they are training well. The win against Bologna gave us a moral boost. It gave us more belief and obviously when you win, you work more calmly. With regards to injuries, last week we had a problem with Volgiacco but he has been training with us for two days and he is available'.

HARD WORK IN COLLECCHIO

“In my first full week in Collecchio I have kept the same spirit and sense of responsiblity that we had last week. I am still trying to work out everyone's strengths by talking to them individually and as a group, trying to pass on good values on and off the pitch. Working on defense? Simply it is the necessary way to approach a match, and I think we need to adapt for whoever we play. However, many changes can cause confusion so we are trying to simplify things and to create an identity with key values that make a compact and comprehensive defensive line. But, as I have always said, I want everyone to defend and everyone is responsible for defending'

UDINESE, PHYSICALITY AND ROTATIONS

“Udinese is one of the most physical sides in the league and they haved changed their shape and playstyle in their last four matches, winning three and drawing one. They have also won their last two home games. All Serie A games are tough and we are ready to give our all and to face up to these challenges. Udinese don't only play counter attacking, they make many rotations and they attack in different ways. Not only are they physically strong but they have a great attacking three in Thauvin, Sanchez and Lucca. We must be responsible, we must be compact and we must give our all. We must win second balls. Compared to the reverse fixture, they have massively changed their playstyle, they believe in themselves and they choose the right moment to attack. We know they are strong and physical in the area. We sometimes need to adknowledge that our opponents have the upper hand in certain ways. If they are playing with their third goalkeeper we are not going to change how we prepare for the game, I am not in a position to talk about Udinese's goalkeeper'

FAITH IN BONNY

“Bonny is a key player and I was pleased to see him smiling after scoring against Bologna. I know that the last time he took a penalty, he missed, but we believed in him. He is aware of the work he needs to put in, but when you are more at ease, you play better. The penalty? We have decided our penalty takers and everyone knows what will happen before the match. We have the first, second and third choice penalty takers then they can decide themselves on the pitch. I however prefer to be clear in handing out roles like this so that everyone knows what to do'

BERNABÉ, CIRCATI AND LEONI

“Even without Bernabé, we are ready and we need to adapt to the problems that arise throughout the season. Obvioulsy we know that Adrian is a great player but right now we must think about how to get the best out of him and the rest of the team around him. Circati? I haven't seen too much of him. He is in rehabilitation and I can't wait to hug him and to get to know him. At the moment we are focused on who's available. I am so pleased to coach one of Europe's youngest teams. I am loving embracing this project, and I am trying to get across what is needed in terms of tactics, technique and the mental side of the game. This will help us make that jump in quality. We know all abaout Leoni and what a great player he is. Both him and us need to really understand his potential. We are young, yes, we are strong, yes, but we can also do better. I need to understand how to improve as soon as possible'