Udinese today announced the dismissal of German coach Kosta Runjaic, after a series of disappointing results which led the Friulian club to collect just five points in ten Serie A matches. The decision was taken following the 2-5 defeat against Roma at the Bluenergy Stadium, which increased the pressure on the coach, already in difficulty since his arrival. The club said the alleged main cause was a lack of points, but the management of the winter transfer window was cited as an aggravating factor.
In the meantime, Udinese has already appointed a new coach: Paolo Zanetti, a former player of the club, will be hired starting from the end of the current season, with a contract that provides for an extension until 2028. According to sources, Zanetti will have the possibility to renew his role beyond the end of the season, if the results meet the club's expectations. The coach, who has already had a short period of success in his career, will have to face a team that has had difficulty maintaining consistency on the pitch.
Runjaic, who was hired with the hope of returning Udinese to more competitive levels, has faced a number of problems, including a lack of points and management of the winter transfer window. His last game against Roma showed the fragility of the team, with two goals less than the 5 points earned in ten games. Udinese has decided to terminate the relationship with the German coach, leaving room for a new direction.
Zanetti, who accepted the challenge of leading Udinese, declared that he wanted to give a new direction to the team. “I mismanaged the winter transfer market with Hellas, and I was disappointed,” he admitted, but also expressed his willingness to work to improve the team. The club said the new manager will have the option to renew his contract beyond the end of the season if results meet the club's expectations.
Udinese's future remains uncertain, but the decision to sack Runjaic and hire Zanetti represents a new beginning for the team. The club will have to face the challenge of building a competitive team in Serie A, with the aim of improving its position in the standings and achieving the expected results. The season is still ongoing, and Udinese's future will depend on the team's performance under Zanetti's leadership.