Udinese are set to face Napoli this Saturday at the Bleuenergy Stadium, and coach Kosta Runjaic addressed the media ahead of the match.
During the press conference, Runjaic emphasized the strength of Napoli, stating, “We are facing a great team that won Serie A two years ago.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries within his squad but remained optimistic about their preparation for the game. Notably, he confirmed that Alexis Sanchez would be available for selection, saying, “Sanchez will be with us tomorrow, and it is fantastic news.”
Runjaic reflected on the team’s recent performance and the reasons behind their inconsistency. He mentioned that losing matches can stem from various factors, including their own mistakes or simply being outperformed by opponents. “Twenty points from last season is a satisfactory tally, but we aim to improve further,” he remarked. He stressed the importance of maintaining focus and energy in training and during matches.
When asked about his tactical approach for the upcoming game, Runjaic playfully admitted uncertainty about whether he would deploy a three or four-man defense, stating, “Nice question, I don’t know yet.” He highlighted the form of players like Lucca and Thauvin, noting their contributions to the team’s attacking play.
Regarding Napoli’s current form, having not won in their last two matches, Runjaic dismissed any notion of a crisis within the team. “Napoli is not going through a difficult period; they often dominate games,” he asserted. He acknowledged their physicality and technical prowess and emphasized that Udinese must be ready for a tough challenge.
Runjaic also spoke about player development within his squad, particularly focusing on young talents like Abankwah and Atta. He expressed confidence in their potential and commitment to improving them through consistent training.
Reflecting on his emotional response during recent matches, Runjaic explained that intense games naturally elicit strong reactions from coaches and players alike. “It was an important match for everyone; we gave everything on the field,” he said.
Finally, when asked if Sanchez could contribute minutes in the upcoming match, he confidently replied, “Anyone on the bench can play.”
