The day after the draw with Cremonese, Jesper Karlstrom was the guest on Udinese Tonight. The club captain spoke about the game in Cremona, the team's form and the responsibility that comes with wearing the captain's armband.
He began by commenting on recent results and Udinese's season so far.
“We know we can do better. We have big expectations. We haven't done badly, though. There's not much in it in the league table. In any case we want more points and more wins. We know we can play well and we have big potential, as we've shown at times. We have a solid team spirit with lots of players who want to work hard and who enjoy being together. We believe in the coach's ideas.”
Those ideas come through on Monday, when Kosta Runjaic remained unperturbed even with the team losing.
“He was calm. He told us we needed to push a bit harder and he gave us some tactical instructions. We were only one goal down. The coach can be very calm just as he can get angry.”
Udinese struggled somewhat in the first half difficult against Cremonese, in a similar way to the games against Sassuolo and Cagliari.
“We gave them some easy chances and it was another game that we began by conceding a goal. We're good enough to come from behind but it's hard to win when you start like that. Against Sassuolo and Cagliari we started well but then fell behind. In Reggio Emilia we were two goals down and in that case it's very hard to win. We didn't make a good start against Cremonese.”
The opening goal came from a free kick Karlstrom himself gave away.
“It can happen that you concede from a set play. I should have defended better in the first place. That can happen too but I should have been smarter and not dived in.”
The midfielder explained that he was more demanding with himself this season, having had a year to adapt to Italy.
“I'm in my second year, so I'm familiar with the league and I know I can do well, but at the same time I know I can do better. I can improve in all areas. I expect more of myself this year. It would be nice to score a few goals.”
The 30-year-old was made captain during the summer, a role he carries out with pride and a sense of duty.
“It's a huge honour, especially in a country like Italy and in an important league like Serie A. It's a big responsibility. I try to do my best and be myself. It's changed more for me off the pitch – I have to speak more in the dressing room, take more responsibility, but on the pitch I talked to the others anyway. It's a position that comes with responsibility. I want to do it the best I can and be a good captain.”
The fans have certainly shown their appreciation of him, something he recognises.
“I'm very happy and proud of that. I always try to run and fight – that's something you can always do even when things aren't coming off for you with the ball. You must always have the right mentality and commitment.
“I don't like it when people aren't authentic. When I raise my voice, I want it to be real, not forced.”
“When I was younger, I had a few problems on the pitch due to my character. Off the pitch I'm calm, but when I'm playing it's different. I used to get booked a lot. As I've aged, I've learnt to manage that side better, although it still comes out sometimes.”
The Swede went on to explain that his midfield partners and the formation played matter little to him.
“I don't mind who plays alongside me. They're all quality players and I get on with everyone. It's good to have some competition. I don't think changing the starting line-up regularly affects the team's play that much. We have lots of quality midfielders. The main thing is not whether we play four or five but our playing principles, which can be the same regardless of the formation. Obviously there are differences but if the principles are clear I don't think it changes much.”
The skipper was asked about two of his team-mates, Sandi Lovric and Lennon Miller.
“Sandi is very important for us. He's a great player with a lot of character. He works hard every day and he'll soon get the chance to play.
“Miller is young but he plays like a veteran. He's a calm, intelligent lad and a very good player. He can play in different positions but I think he gives the best of himself as a No.8.”
Karlstrom recently returned from international duty with Sweden, but his national side have struggled for results recently.
“We have an incredible team, I think the best Sweden team ever. Qualifying hasn't gone well, especially given the way we played, but we still have a chance in the play-offs. We have a new coach and hopefully we'll do better, but it's always an honour to play for Sweden in front of my family and friends. We want to go to the World Cup – that's the dream for every footballer.”
Jesper ended with a message for the fans: “We're happy for the support you give us in every game. It's a pleasure to play for you and we need your support. On Saturday we'll go out there to get the three points.”