Udinese’s head coach, Kosta Runjaic, held a press conference on Saturday to discuss the upcoming Serie A clash with Bologna on Monday evening. He provided updates about the team’s preparations and emphasized the challenges Udinese will face against a strong Bologna side.
Runjaic revealed that defender Oumar Solet trained partially with the team for the first time and will undertake a full session on Sunday, after which a decision will be made regarding his inclusion in the squad. He acknowledged Bologna’s quality, noting that their current league position does not accurately reflect their capabilities. Reflecting on a previous encounter where Udinese made critical individual errors, Runjaic stressed the need for a solid performance and a balanced approach between attacking and defending.
He also highlighted that Bologna’s participation in the Europa League does not provide Udinese with a significant advantage, as they possess a deep squad that can handle rotation without a decline in performance. Runjaic pointed out the importance of focusing on their own preparations rather than on Bologna’s recovery from their recent match.
Udinese has made several advancements in their attacking options. Adam Buksa, who has been plagued by injuries this season, is now fit and ready to contribute. His experience could prove pivotal as he potentially starts against Bologna. In addition, Runjaic mentioned the promising young talent, Branimir Mlacic, who is still adapting to the Serie A environment and will require time to develop before making an impact.
The coach emphasized the necessity of creating their own scoring opportunities and noted that previous matches revealed a pattern of defensive lapses and missed chances. He is keen on improving both attacking strategies and defensive discipline to avoid repeating mistakes that led to goals conceded in prior matches. The focus will be on maintaining a solid defensive shape and being strategic in their offensive plays.
Runjaic acknowledged Bologna’s strengths in transition, highlighting their speed and ability to punish opponents for mistakes. He urged his players to minimize errors and be prepared for Bologna’s physical style of play. In a similar vein, he stressed the importance of maintaining composure on the ball and making informed decisions during gameplay.
Lastly, he provided updates on specific players, notably mentioning Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, who has shown improvement but is encouraged to take on more responsibility with the ball. Meanwhile, Hassane Kamara will not participate in the upcoming match due to ongoing rehabilitation from an injury, although there is optimism about his return to full training soon.
As Udinese gears up for this crucial match, the focus will heavily be on executing the game plan and overcoming the challenges posed by Bologna’s aggressive playing style. The team’s strategy revolves around minimizing errors, maximizing their attacking potential, and fortifying their defense to secure a positive result in Bologna.