Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic spoke to the media ahead of the upcoming Serie A match against Atalanta, emphasizing the need for both intensity and quality from his players.
“The team is doing well; we have trained effectively this week, and we hope to see smiling faces after the match,” Runjaic stated. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Atalanta, calling them “one of the strongest teams in Serie A.” He noted their impressive track record, including their success in the Europa League, which he attributed to their relentless man-to-man marking throughout matches.
“This will be an intense game with many duels. We need to bring passion but also quality in possession,” he added. The coach expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation, mentioning that most players are available for selection. However, he confirmed that striker Lorenzo Lucca would be absent, while defender Oumar Solet is fit to play.
Runjaic reflected on the previous encounter against Atalanta, where Udinese played well but ultimately lost. “The first match was one of our best performances. We played courageously but unfortunately returned home with zero points. We want to take our revenge this time,” he said.
The arrival of goalkeeper Egil Selvik has added depth to Udinese’s squad. Runjaic explained, “With Selvik’s arrival, we are now complete in goal. Okoye is injured and undergoing rehabilitation, so we wanted to ensure we have coverage in case anything happens.”
Addressing disciplinary issues, Runjaic discussed Lucca’s recent bookings: “We have talked about it, but it’s essential to evaluate the type of cards received. Some bookings are unnecessary and can harm the team. Lucca must be aware that his playing style may lead to fouls, which is part of the game.”
As for tactics, Runjaic emphasized the importance of adapting to Atalanta’s style: “Atalanta does not change their way of playing because they don’t need to. I am impressed by how they maintain their style in every situation. We know what to expect and must implement our game plan.”
On a personal note, Runjaic shared his commitment to learning Italian: “In training, we talk a lot and spend many hours together. It’s important for me to learn the language. I want to improve and contribute more effectively to the team.”
