Jesper Karlstrom was this week's guest on Udinese Tonight, where hechatted about the team's season, his team-mates and the upcoming World Cup, among other things.
The captain began by reflecting on the attainment of the 50-point target following Saturday's 2-0 win at Cagliari and the possibilities for next season.
"Fifty points are no mean feat. We're a great group. We've worked hard the last two years and this is the result. The league table shows we've improved since last season. I'm proud of this team.
"It's not easy to keep improving. Here at Udinese we know that the team changes from season to season but if we can maintain the core of this side, anything is possible. I'd like everyone to stay next season. If that happened, we could take another step forward, but we know it's not easy."
Jesper admitted that his own season, like the team's, suffered a dip
"At one stage I had two or three games where I made some mistakes that cost us goals – small details but I wasn't happy. Overall I think I've had a decent season, especially in the last ten games. This is probably my best form in my two years at the club. Results help of course but I'm happy here. I like Udine and Udinese."
The skipper then commented on his recent contract extension to 2028 and his relationship with Kosta Runjaic.
"The renewal wasn't a quick process but I wasn't in a hurry and nor were Udinese. We reached an agreement and I'm very happy.
“The boss is the same as he was two years ago – always angry! Actually this season he's calmer. He's done a lot for this team. The standings tell you that and the players have improved. I have a great relationship with him.”
Jesper went to talk about some of his team-mates who stepped in for him when he missed the Lazio and Torino matches recently.
“In those two games we saw [Arthur] Atta, [Lennon] Miller and [Jakub] Piotrowski playing in my place and they did well. Atta can play anywhere in midfield but I prefer it when he plays further forward because you need quality in that area of the park and he can do special things. He's handy in a deeper role too, though. He's good at building play. I don't think even he knows what his best position is!”
Karlstrom also had a word to say for another young player who is yet to make his debut: Abdoulaye Camara.
“I like Camara a lot. He's a good lad and I'd like to see him on the pitch. He works well in training but there's a lot of competition in midfield. I think he's more like Miller than Atta.”
The Sweden midfielder ended by looking ahead to this summer's World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
“Playing at a World Cup is a dream and I can't wait. I think it's the highest point for any player. We're in a tough group but we have a strong team. We play more defensively with the new coach. With the last coach we played man for man and that's difficult when you don't have much time to train together. There's a great team spirit in the camp, like at Udinese. I think we can have a good World Cup. Who would I bring to Udine? [Viktor] Gyokeres wouldn't be a bad choice!”