Maduka Okoye was hosted on Udinese Tonight the day after the team's defeat to Inter at San Siro. The goalkeeper shared his feelings on conceding goals, spoke about his personal development at Udinese and reiterated his confidence in the team, before delving into some his off-field pastimes.
Despite Monday's defeat, Maduka maintains the mood in the camp hasn't been dampened.
“The mood is still good. Inter's in the past now – we're already thinking about the next game. We believed we could win it, as we always do. Perhaps we scored our goals too early, but that's football for you. Inter are such a strong team and they don't let up even after scoring three or four goals. We've been missing a few players but [Christian] Kabasele has come back and brings his experience. We didn't lose because of the players we're missing.”
Okoye produced a good individual performance in Milan yet still had to pick the ball out of the net five times.
“The fourth goal was the one that annoyed me most. It's easy to say when you look back at the replay but we can't be conceding goals like that, although it wasn't a simple goal. It annoys me because we were too passive after fighting for an hour.”
Conceding five to Inter means it's ten in four games for Udinese this season – a number no goalkeeper can be pleased with.
“The fact that we've changed our defensive line-up in every game is perhaps one reason for the goals we've let in but we should be able to do well even when we change. We're working to fix things but it's also true that we've played very good teams so far.”
The Nigerian went on to discuss his own growth as a goalkeeper.
“I'm happy with my own performances. We're working hard and I can feel I'm improving. Sergio [Marcon] and Alex [Brunner] are doing a great job with us. I know they believe in me and that increases my belief in myself. Making saves is nice but the main thing is getting points. I'm sure we'll start picking them up again. I've improved a lot in coming out for high balls and low balls. A top keeper has to make progress in every area of the game but I have some top coaches.”
Joining the goalkeeping team this season is a goalkeeper with international experience, Bartosz Mrozek – which provides an added incentive for Maduka.
“Mrozek is a good goalkeeper and it's understandable that he wants to play. It's good for me to have competition.
Maduka also spoke about two of his off-field passions: hairstyles and music.
“My hairdresser is a German girl and she's really good. I often change hairstyle. I've got braids at the moment because my hair is longer than usual.
“Blanco is my favourite Italian singer – I've seen him in concert too. I also listen to Sal Da Vinci and Gigi D'Alessio.”
The big man ended by stressing his confidence in the current squad.
“We have a more mature team this year but last year we played without fear. We're on the right track.”