Kosta Runjaic feels his team are in a good place, despite three consecutive defeats, and can target
victory at Empoli – especially if they replicate their performance against Atalanta.
The coach was speaking to the media ahead of Monday's match at the Stadio Castellani.
“We know Empoli defend really well. They don't concede many but they don't score many either. They're a threat from long balls. They're tricky opponents to play against, a decent team who are capable of matching us. It will be an intense game and we must try to take maximum points from it. If we play with the same energy and conviction we showed in Bergamo, we can get a result at Empoli.”
Asked whether the absence of Martin Payero might mean Udinese revert to playing with three in attack, Runjaic explained: “We can play with two or three up front, as long as they whole team works well together. Payero got injured in training after a clash with [Jurgen] Ekkelenkamp and he won't be available for two or three weeks but there are other players – Ekkelenkamp for example, or [Arthur] Atta – who are in top shape again. All our international players came back with a clean bill of health and we have plenty of options, so there are lots of positives too.
“I can't tell you how we'll play. We might even put out [Florian] Thauvin, [Lorenzo] Lucca and [Keinan] Davis all together. I'm think about the best starting line-up possible, which depends on the dynamics of the game, individual situations, whether we decide to defend, control the game, or take more risks.
“We're working well and there's no need to panic. You go through spells in a season when you drop points but we have to get through this moment and learn from it. The lads are certainly capable of doing that. We've trained well and have reason to feel confident going to Empoli.”
The boss also provided an update on Alexis Sanchez's recovery progress.
“He's training again now, albeit on his own. He'll keep working individually for a while but he's improving and he's happy. I couldn't say when he'll return exactly but I expect it will be January at the latest.”