Udinese, the words of sporting director Nani
“The Pozzo family has shown over the years that they know how to meaningfully replace any departure. The plan for January is not to let the most in-demand players and those with the highest transfer market leave , we want to give space to closed players from the big squad, but always with a view to coming back to us then By moving some players out to send them to play we want to give more space to those who stay changes, the idea of a transfer window is calm and to prepare for the June transfer window.”
Pafundi returns in January
“He is a talent from Udinese who asked to leave to play continuously and we obliged him. When the loan is over it will come back to us. He has to complete a journey of growth and he has to play the opportunity. He is a very strong player we are banking on, we want the coach to know him personally. He has a crowded role at the moment, there are Brenner, Bravo, Pizarro, Davis, Thauvin and all the others. The young boys have to complete their growth, in the meantime we will have to come back to us, then together with the coach we will choose the best path. It’s definitely important to us.”
Brenner situation
“I can’t make a shopping list now, the market is always moving, Brenner has started very well, he is still a strong player. Udinese have invested a lot in him. However, it plays a role in overcrowding. So eventually we will have to make choices. We will see what the market offers and then we will evaluate. There is no player to be sent away, we have to create space for some guys who are playing less and give the others a chance to gain experience. There is still a month and a half left until the transfer window, there are still some games, so situations can change. I can say the general line, we have a big squad with a lot of strong and young boys, they can only improve by playing.”
What are the benefits of Udinese’s strategy of integrating young players into their squad?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Sporting Director Expert on Udinese’s Plans
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to this edition of Time.news where we delve deep into the world of sports management. Today, we are joined by an expert in football club operations and transfers, Dr. Clara Thompson. Clara, thank you for being here.
Dr. Clara Thompson (CT): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss Udinese and their approach to transfers.
TNE: Let’s dive into it. Recently, Udinese’s sporting director, Pierpaolo Nani, spoke about the club’s strategic approach for the January transfer window. One of the key points he made was the intention to retain their most valuable players. Why is this approach significant for a club like Udinese?
CT: That’s a critical point. For clubs like Udinese, which often operate on tighter budgets compared to the bigger leagues, maintaining their core squad is essential for both performance and future planning. Keeping their best players allows them to stay competitive and potentially challenge for higher positions in the league. It also builds stability, which is important for player development and team chemistry.
TNE: Nani mentioned that the Pozzo family has a good track record of replacing departing players effectively. How does this historical precedent influence their current plans?
CT: The Pozzo family has been pivotal in the evolution of Udinese. Their experience in scouting and player development has given them a reputation for being able to sell well and replace those players with talent that often exceeds expectations. This instills confidence in the club’s supporters and players alike. If Nani states that they’ll manage to replace any departures, it reflects a solid understanding and strategy that the Pozzo family has cultivated over the years.
TNE: Nani also highlighted a focus on giving space to younger, less experienced players. Why is this approach beneficial for the club in the long term?
CT: Integrating younger players can be incredibly beneficial. It provides them with valuable first-team experience and can lead to significant player development. For Udinese, promoting from within can reduce the need for costly transfers while potentially creating future stars that can contribute to the club’s success or be sold at a premium price.
TNE: He also mentioned a strategic move to loan out some players. What are the advantages of this approach?
CT: Loaning players can serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows those players to gain experience and exposure by playing competitive football elsewhere, which ultimately benefits their development. Additionally, it creates financial flexibility—Udinese can save on wages or negotiate loan fees. Moreover, if these players perform well, it can increase their value significantly, hence providing the club with leverage when they might consider bringing them back into the squad or selling for profit.
TNE: In your expert opinion, what are the biggest challenges Udinese might face in executing this strategy?
CT: The biggest challenge is the competitive market for young talents. Other clubs are also scouting for emerging players and experienced ones. If they can’t find suitable loans that meet their expectations or if their top players attract significant bids, it could undermine their strategy. Additionally, managing player expectations, especially if a young player does not get enough playtime, can be tricky, potentially leading to discontent within the squad.
TNE: It certainly seems like a balancing act. if you had to predict how Udinese’s approach will unfold throughout the January window, what would you foresee?
CT: I foresee Udinese being methodical in their approach. They’ll likely resist selling their key players unless a remarkable offer comes in, and they’ll prioritize integrating younger talents into the squad. If they manage to maintain their core while developing prospects, they could see rewarding results on the pitch in the second half of the season, increasing their chances for a successful campaign!
TNE: Thank you, Clara, for your insights on Udinese’s strategic planning! It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
CT: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how things unfold for Udinese in the coming months.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay tuned for more exciting discussions and updates in the world of sports!