Gianluca Nani, Udinese’s Technical Director, spoke to DAZN before the match against Roma, discussing the team’s approach under new coach Runjaic and the decision-making process behind his appointment.
Regarding Runjaic’s team selections, Nani stated, “We support Runjaic in his choices. So far, he has always made the right decision, and we hope this time will be no different.”
Nani also commented on the club’s focus on young talent: “Udinese has always done this work of searching for talent and physicality, then integrating this talent into our context, following their growth, and developing them. Bravo, Pizarro, Touré, Sava – there are several young players. We always try to anticipate the competition; sometimes it works out well for us, and sometimes it doesn’t.”
On the decision to appoint Runjaic, Nani revealed an interesting scouting process: “When we went for him, it was because we were convinced of making that type of choice. Being first in the league isn’t what we asked of him. We know, however, that our goal is to achieve safety as soon as possible, earlier than last year. We want to play a slightly more offensive type of football and close some technical aspects of the past.”
Nani then shared a fascinating insight into how they discovered Runjaic: “Just as we scout players, we also scout coaches. In a match his team played against Aston Villa, they put in a great performance, with very tight, compact lines. From there, we started following him, and then we signed him. Now it’s time for celebrations, but the championship is long.”
