Udinese Calcio is gearing up for a challenging encounter against Fiorentina this coming Monday as Coach Kosta Runjaic addresses key player situations and tactical expectations during his pre-match press conference. The match will mark the closure of the 17th round of the Serie A, and all eyes are on how the Udinese side will manage their current roster, which has been marred by injuries.
Runjaic opened the discussion by reflecting on the need for teamwork against Fiorentina, saying, “Against Fiorentina, we have to work together, be compact, and put them under pressure. They are a high-quality team, especially offensively. We must maintain balance and avoid their press.” His acknowledgment of the opponents' quality is underscored by Fiorentina's recent struggles with defeats against Atalanta and Bologna, contrasting Udinese’s performance which saw them earn points against formidable teams like Inter and Napoli, marking potential for the upcoming match.
Among Udinese's roster concerns, the status of Alexis Sanchez has drawn attention. Runjaic emphasized the significance of Sanchez's fitness level, noting, “Sanchez is not 100%. He knows it’s fundamental to be at his best. He requires game time to regain rhythm.” Sanchez expressed his eagerness to contribute as he stated: “I’m happy to be back on the field after so long. We need to work hard and go back to winning.” His desire to reconnect with past form at Udinese presents both hope and pressure for the team and himself.
Runjaic also provided updates on players recovering from injuries, particularly focusing on Lovric and Payero. “Lovric trained with a smaller group; he still feels some discomfort. We’ll assess how he feels before deciding for Monday.” Although both Payero and another key player, Davis, are expected to return to training next week, their absence is felt significantly within squad dynamics. The coach is monitoring the situation closely and expressed hope for their return.
Disappointment surrounds Brenner, whose performance has not met expectations this season. Runjaic remarked on the striker's inconsistency, highlighting his previous injuries, “Brenner started well but did not maintain the same level. He knows we have high expectations for him, and he is not satisfied with his current form.” The relationship between the coach and the player remains constructive, with focus on improving Brenner's contribution.
Another notable player, Florian Thauvin, has also seen struggles due to injuries impacting his ability to play consistently. Runjaic expressed confidence, stating, “Thauvin is important for us. He has quality and experience, making him a guiding presence.” His recent return to form suggests potential, yet the team no longer has the luxury of time, especially against teams of Fiorentina's caliber.
Addressing the strategic approach for facing Fiorentina, Runjaic noted, “We must avoid naïveté and reduce errors as seen against Napoli and Inter. This has been communicated with the team.” A clear battle plan will be pivotal, especially considering the opponent's attacking prowess and tactical discipline. He underscored the importance of training and preparation, indicating, “We need to trust the process of gaining experience, improve performance, and minimize errors.”
With confidence, the Udinese coach seeks growth, embracing challenges and aiming to snatch points from this assertive match. He expressed optimism, “I believe we have our chances if we give our all and surpass our limits.” This sentiment was echoed by Sanchez, who acknowledged the need for focus and effort against strong competitors: “We have capable players and must come together to overcome our odds.”
Fiorentina sits at the upper echelons of the Serie A table, presenting not only formidable stats but also cohesive play. Udinese's ability to adapt and respond will determine their fortunes—will they rise to meet the challenge? The team’s collective resolve will soon be tested as they face this steep hurdle of the season. Fans are left anticipating whether their beloved team can pull together to notch another valuable win against their competent rivals.
