Runjaic on Udinese’s European Ambition
Kosta Runjaic, the head coach of Udinese, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s 1-0 victory over Parma, which has allowed them to accumulate more points than they did in the entirety of last season. However, he remains cautious about setting lofty European ambitions. "We mustn’t look too far forward," he emphasized, reflecting a pragmatic approach to the team’s recent success. The win, secured by a penalty from Florian Thauvin, marks a significant milestone for the Friulani, who have shown remarkable improvement in their performance and consistency.
A Controlled First Half
During the match, Runjaic noted that Udinese played exceptionally well in the first half, maintaining good possession and applying pressure on Parma. "The first half we played very good, we controlled the game, had good possession, we put pressure on because of the possession," he told Sky Sport Italia. Despite not creating many scoring opportunities, the team’s dominance was evident. Runjaic’s strategic focus on possession and pressure paid off, as it kept Parma on the back foot and minimized their chances of breaking through.
Intense Second Half
The second half, however, saw a drop in the team’s performance level, though the game remained intense. "In the second half, we did not play the same level, but it was still a very intense game," Runjaic admitted. He acknowledged that Parma, under a new coach, posed a significant threat, particularly in transitions. "We know that Parma have a new coach, with good individual players, especially dangerous in transitions. For my taste, we allowed them a bit too much space and we also should’ve scored a second goal," he said. Despite these challenges, Runjaic believed the victory was well-deserved, a testament to the team’s resilience and tactical discipline.
Addressing Striker Selfishness
When questioned about the team’s recent goal-scoring issues, Runjaic was diplomatic. "I did not get that impression from the touchline, but I will have to evaluate the game and if I see that they have been selfish, I will speak to them," he stated. This response indicates a willingness to address any potential issues within the team, while also showing confidence in his players’ ability to perform. Runjaic’s approach is balanced, ensuring that he maintains a positive team environment while also being prepared to make necessary adjustments.
Looking Forward to Future Fixtures
The victory has placed Udinese in a strong position, currently sitting in 10th place in Serie A. With four wins and a draw away to Napoli in their last five games, the team is on a roll. Runjaic, however, remains focused on the immediate future. "We take it one game at a time, that is our concept," he assured. The coach is keen to maintain the team’s momentum and continue their campaign, aiming to secure as many points as possible. Udinese’s upcoming fixtures, including home games against Lazio, Inter, and Juventus, and away matches to Milan, Bologna, and Fiorentina, present both challenges and opportunities. Runjaic’s strategy is to approach each game with the same intensity and focus, regardless of the opponent.
Reflecting on the Team’s Progress
Udinese’s current tally of 39 points after 27 rounds is their best since 2013, when Francesco Guidolin led them to the European preliminary rounds. This achievement is a clear indication of the team’s progress under Runjaic’s leadership. "We are very pleased at having 39 points in a very hard season, we worked intensely and are now reaping the rewards," he said. The coach’s gratitude and recognition of the team’s hard work highlight the importance of a collective effort. While the possibility of European qualification is tantalizing, Runjaic insists on staying grounded. "I don’t know what the future holds, the future is now. We mustn’t look too far forward," he reiterated. The team’s focus remains on the present, with the goal of maximizing their performance in the remaining matches of the season.
Multilingual Coach
In a lighter moment, Runjaic revealed his multilingual skills during his post-match interview. "My English is ok, I speak German, Serbo-Croatian, I understand Polish and now more and more Italian. I just need a little more time so I can speak it better," he shared. This insight into the coach’s linguistic abilities adds a human touch to his professional demeanor, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to learn. Runjaic’s multilingualism is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of his international experience and the diverse environment in which he operates. As Udinese continues to push forward, Runjaic’s ability to communicate effectively with his players and the media in multiple languages will undoubtedly be an asset.
