Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic previewed his team’s upcoming match against Roma, emphasizing focus on their own performance rather than their opponents’ situation. Despite Udinese’s strong start to the season, Runjaic remains grounded, stating, “We’re happy to be top and to give our fans a great experience, but we’re not looking at the league table, nor our opponents’ situation. We’re focused on the match.”
The coach acknowledged the challenge of facing Roma, especially with their new manager, but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness. “We want to be brave and deliver a good performance. We’re going to Rome to pick up points,” Runjaic declared.
Reflecting on their recent victory against Parma, Runjaic highlighted the importance of starting well and maintaining control throughout the game. He emphasized the team’s collective approach to both attacking and defending, stating, “We’re all involved when attacking and defending, and everyone must contribute.”
Runjaic praised the depth of his squad, noting the impact of substitutes in the Parma match. He stressed the importance of rotation, especially with upcoming fixtures, saying, “We have a tough match against Salernitana coming up, so I haven’t decided on the starting XI yet.”
The manager expressed his desire for a positive team atmosphere, stating, “I want a happy and optimistic team where joy is always present.” He also discussed the development of young players like Damian Pizarro, emphasizing the need for patience and adaptation to Serie A’s demands.
Addressing the team’s performance consistency, Runjaic stressed the importance of focus and intensity throughout matches. He credited not only his own efforts but also his staff’s role in player improvement, highlighting the importance of communication and hard work in training.
In conclusion, Runjaic remains cautiously optimistic about Udinese’s prospects, stating, “We’re enjoying this moment, but we have to be realistic. It’s a long journey and we still have many matches ahead.”
