Kosta Runjaic and Juan David Arizala spoke at the post-match media conference after Udinese slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Juventus.
Runjaic: "Solet is not fully fit yet and we didn't want to risk him. We're without Bertola and we only had three centre-backs. [Christian] Kabasele is having an incredible season. At the age of 35 he's shown his worth and has become one of the leaders. [Thomas] Kristensen has become a reliable performer. Then we have [Branimir] Mlacic, who hasn't been here long and has made a big step up from the Croatian league. When you only have two centre-backs and a youngster you have to come up with solutions. Against Atalanta Mlacic got a yellow. Who knows if it would have been better with him today. I want to protect him. Players like that need a year or so to adapt.
“[Oier] Zarraga is an important player who gives his all in training, never complains when he doesn't play and is always ready to step in. Perhaps we could have gone with [Jurgen] Ekkelenkamp on the wing. We have Arizala too, though he hasn't been here long. We have to remember we were up against [Kenan] Yildiz, an extraordinary player. Zarraga and [Kingsley] Ehizibue aren't to blame. We have to look at the quality of our opponents too. Juve switch play a lot and have fast players, and Zarraga is one of our fastest players. Juve have lofty ambitions and a different squad to us. We gave everything but yes, we did struggle with their balls in behind.
“We don't have many options at the moment but we have to make the most of what we have despite the injuries. We had chances with [Arthur] Atta, [Nicolo] Zaniolo and a big one with Ekkelenkamp. Chances like that are crucial when you play teams like Juventus. They played better than us. I said we'd need a perfect performance and we weren't able to produce it. You need a bit of luck against Juve. [Maduka] Okoye kept us in it on several occasions and we didn't have many opportunities of our own. Sometimes we make football complicated but Juventus are simply better than us.
“I'm happy with the team for not giving up despite a few difficult moments during the match. When you win, everything is good but you have to look at the positives when you lose as well.”
Arizala: "We trained well during the week. The coach is showing more confidence in me and my team-mates are helping a lot too. The coach told me I might play part of the game today.
“I've never played on the right but if the team needs me there, I'll be ready to do it. I've always played on the left.
“I have a good relationship with [Juan] Cuadrado. I spoke to him before joining Udinese and we're still in touch now. He gives me lots of advice. I want to leave a good impression here in Udine like him.”