Kingsley Ehizibue was this week's guest on Udinese Tonight, the day after the 2-1 defeat to Lecce. The right wing-back shared his views on the game at the Stadio Via del Mare, Keinan Davis's injury, his relationship with Kosta Runjaic and much more.
First of all, Kingsley was asked how he is after the Lecce match.
“Physically speaking, I'm good. I took a knock at the end of the game but it's nothing serious. I'm just disappointed about the result because we threw away a point. The fans are upset and so are we. It was an important game and we came back empty-handed.
“The pitch wasn't good but that we can't use that as an excuse because it was the same pitch for them. Ultimately it came down to fine margins: a misplaced pass, a free kick, a slip. Little things."
Injury has deprived Udinese's attack of Keinan Davis – something the team will have to deal with for a while.
“We all know how important Keinan is for us. He's a top-quality player who holds the ball up so well. We have other good players who can play there but he's on another level. We'll be without him for a few weeks now and we need to find a solution.”
Ehizibue recently reached the 100-game milestone in Serie A and, now in his fourth season at the club, is one of the veterans of the team.
“I'm grateful to have the chance to play for a club with a great history. I'm proud to wear this shirt.
“This is the best team we've had since I've been here. We have lots of quality and a good mix of youth and experience. Everyone has a part to play.
“We could have a good season but we must make sure every game counts, including ones like Lecce. We've played well against the big teams but matches against Lecce, Verona and Sassuolo are important too and we must go into them with the same level of focus.”
The 30-year-old also spoke about his relationship with Runjaic.
“He's different to his predecessors – with his dressing-room management, in training and the athletic work we do. Training is tough but we're stronger physically. He's changed lots of little things. He wants us to always try and play the ball: sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but we try.
“He's very direct. He tells me straight up when I play well and when I don't. He's established rules in the dressing room too. You need rules if you want a united team and you need respect for the coach and management.
“I talk to Gokhan [Inler] a lot. He helps us a lot and he's always available and has time for us. He also organises lots of activities for the younger players.
The chat finished with Kingsley looking towards the rest of the season.
“We mustn't ease off now. We have to keep on picking up points till the end. 50 points is a possible target, then we can see if we might be able to do a bit better. We'd all like to be able to play for something important. We're Udinese and we have to believe we can do it.”