Udinese manager, Kosta Runjaić has warned Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, saying that any more huge mistakes from him in the match against Lecce may result in serious consequences.
Okoye, who joined the Italian club from Watford during the summer of 2023, committed an error that directly led to Udinese's loss against Torino.
In preparation for Sunday's encounter with Lecce, Runjaić disclosed that he had warned the goalkeeper directly and in plane words following the defeat against Torino.
"A coach must communicate with absolute clarity to his players, and I exercised that responsibility on this occasion," Runjaić stated to Udinese's official communications channel.
The Udinese manager further emphasized that the Nigerian international fully understood that his critical mistake contributed substantially to the team's defeat at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
"He understands completely that his action resulted in us conceding a goal. Throughout a match, players make numerous decisions, and that particular one was poor," he elaborated.
Runjaić further noted that the Nigerian goalkeeper possessed the capability to be ranked among Serie A's five most accomplished goalkeepers if he consistently demonstrated maximum effort.
"Should Okoye demonstrate complete commitment, he qualifies as one of the five premier goalkeepers in Serie A. We dedicate considerable effort to his development," he said.
He emphasized that they invested substantial time in Okoye's coaching and cautioned that every error carried potentially severe consequences and must consequently be prevented.
"During the previous two matches, we controlled play and Maduka was not required to make significant contributions. We must establish the appropriate equilibrium between composure and focus.
"Every error carries substantial consequences, therefore we cannot afford to make any," he concluded.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper, who has served as an instrumental player for the Italian organization, will be motivated to prevent further lapses and restore his optimal performance level.
He's making us lose matches' - Okoye receives final warning from Udinese manager