Udinese coach Luca Gotti admits Rodrigo De Paul should probably move on to a higher level, but still ‘made unusual mistakes’ against Crotone, such as the red card.
The Argentina international scored both goals in this 2-1 away victory, but was also sent off for a very high foot on Salvatore Molina.
Udinese coach Luca Gotti admits Rodrigo De Paul should probably move on to a higher level, but still ‘made unusual mistakes’ against Crotone, such as the red card.
The Argentina international scored both goals in this 2-1 away victory, but was also sent off for a very high foot on Salvatore Molina.
“The De Paul red and a naïve penalty were negative moments, along with Simy hitting the post in the final minute. For a team like mine, who tried to take the initiative and control the game, those are errors we should not be making,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I’ve already said it before that I saw De Paul’s growth both on and off the field. I feel he has developed a strong mentality, so aside from his football skills that are clear for all to see, I can tell you he’s a leader. He raises his voice when he has to, he is present in training, in the locker room, both attacking and defending. That is his great strength.
“I cannot know what the transfer market holds. Clearly, he has been in Udine for five years, his level is growing higher and higher, so I expect him to sit down with the club at the end of the season to discuss what happens next.
“I would love to take some of the credit for his improvement, but I can’t, it was entirely his own work. I can say we got along from the start, we see things the same way and that makes it easier when dealing with mistakes and what to improve.
“Rodrigo was marvellous on the goals, but he also made mistakes that he doesn’t usually make, and I don’t just mean the red card.”
Gotti surprisingly started Stefano Okaka and Ilija Nestovoski upfront at the Stadio Scida.
“I look at fitness levels, who is in better shape during the week and can give the biggest contribution. Stefano Okaka has been out for a long time and we need patience with him to find out the right time for him to play, how many minutes he should have and not to run too many risks of another relapse.
“Since I’ve been here, Okaka has always given 100 per cent.”