Udinese insists there's nothing sinister over the extended absence of coach Francesco Guidolin.

It's been claimed there is friction between the board and coach.

"Udinese state that the decision of the Coach to withdraw until July 18 has been agreed with the club and is all part of the protocol.

"It should be known that there is no 'irritation' from the leadership of the club.

"Instead, there is irritation at journalistic speculation about a story of which there is nothing mysterious," a club statement read.