Kosta Runjaic was officially unveiled as Udinese's new coach during a news conference at Bluenergy Stadium on Tuesday.
Group Technical Director Gian Luca Nani introduced the German tactician to the gathered media: “We believe Runjaic has the right qualities to continue developing Udinese. He plays an aggressive, attacking, possession-based brand of football using different formations and is good at nurturing young talent. He's signed a two-year contract and has a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, which is what we need to build something important.”
“I'm very happy and proud to have the opportunity to be here,” the coach began. “It's my first experience in Italy but not abroad. I spent the last two years in Poland, where I learnt a lot as a coach and as a person.
“I'm good at working with people and I'm ready for this new experience, which hopefully will be full of success. It's not just the Pozzo family that has high expectations – I do too.
“My aim is to introduce a clear playing style from the off. I want an aggressive team. I've coached seven different clubs and I think I improved the team and the players at at least six of those. I hope my time here will be rewarding for all parties. I'm the coach and the head of this team. I'll speak to the club every day and go into more detail as and when needs arise.
“We have a good mix of youth and experience. It's a strong platform to build on but today is the first day and we'll start with a clean slate. I want to see commitment and a strong work ethic. Actions speak louder than words.
“I could tell you I've watched one or 100 videos of Udinese but it doesn't matter. The team struggled at the start of last season but I want to start a new chapter and produce an attacking style of football that people like to see.
“I've kept in touch with all the players I've coached and lots of them as well as other coaches have congratulated me on getting his job. I'm very happy and curious. The first thing I want to do is focus on myself and on my team. It may seem obvious but we have to impose our style of play.”
“There are lots of big clubs in Serie A and Udinese have had some fantastic players but nostalgia doesn't score goals. There's a process we need to go through and it will take time, effort and also some changes. It's a big challenge and a great opportunity. I'm not interested in our opponents, only my own team.
“[John F.] Kennedy once said that man would land on the moon within a decade and I see my career as somewhat similar. I was selling insurance and no one could have imagined me coaching in Serie A. Actions speak louder than words.
“I'm a reliable person and I think I'm the right age to tackle this new challenge. I'm grateful to the club for giving me this chance. Now we need action. We won't set any limits. I'd like to see improvement in all areas of our play, starting with our energy levels. A few more home wins would certainly be an improvement.
“[Jurgen] Klopp is a role model for me. I've followed him since the start of his career and I often went to see his training sessions in Mainz. I've taken ideas from lots of different coaches, including older ones like [Arrigo] Sacchi. You should never stop studying and learning in life and I'd like to teach something to the younger generations.”
Asked to describe the style of football he wants to play in three words, Runjaic replied, “Possession, intensity, order,” before adding: “It's a season-long job and I want constant progression. We'll start seeing the first results at the end of pre-season, then we'll make any necessary adjustments. We'll take stock during the first international break but there will be an ongoing exchange with the club and the staff.
“I like working with a team and giving responsibility. I've worked with lots of different people. I was alone when I went to Poland and there I met the two people I've brought with me to Udine. We understand each other instantly. I'll meet the other members of staff here. I'm sure they have a lot of experience and knowledge of Serie A.”
Franco Collavino concluded the press conference by thanking Fabio Cannavaro and his staff for their contribution last season and explaining that pre-season will begin on 8 July, with the team's summer training camp in Austria being held from 18 to 31 July.