The Blucerchiati have been below par this season and are just five points above the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand to be played against Roma later this month.

“Both the lads and myself needed to relax a bit and unwind so we could recharge the batteries and get back to our best,” said the Coach.

“The break was very healthy and necessary so we could hope to go forward successfully. With three games each week, we really needed that lay-off.”

The Winter pause was also welcomed by Sampdoria’s opponents this weekend, as Udinese were in a full-blown crisis at the end of 2008.

“Admittedly, I’d have preferred to face them a few weeks ago,” confessed Mazzarri.

“They have had time away as a team and trained hard, so I expect them to be fired up. The squad is of a very high level, which some people forget, and to emerge from this game with a positive result we need to be totally focused.”

The transfer rumours around Samp have been a constant chatter throughout the month, as anyone from Antonio Cassano to captain Angelo Palombo hit the headlines with links to bigger clubs.

“That is my one real fear, that all this talk will distract the players. January is like that, but the team has to remain isolated from that.

“Would Cassano go to Inter or Juventus? Antonio is one of our players, I have not spoken to him or any of the others about this sort of thing. If somebody does raise the matter in the locker room, I will be very cross.”