Kosta Runjaic sat down with the media on Saturday to look ahead to Udinese's visit to Lazio on Monday evening.
“It's going to be an interesting game,” he began. “Lazio are a top side and like us they've been something of a surprise this season.
“We have more points than last season's total but it's still only a partial total. We're a long way off being able to really dream and have ambitious targets. We mustn't let up now. We know we have to give our all, stay focused, adapt to our opponents in some ways and all work together. If we do that, we'll have a chance of doing well on Monday and coming away with something to show for it.
“Lazio are an excellent team. They're missing a few players but I expect them to put out their strongest side. It's an important game for them too and I don't think they'll rotate much. They'll have had time to recover after their Europa League match. It's going to be difficult. They'll be doing everything they can to play well and take the points. We have a good memory of the reverse fixture - it was our first win of the season. We'll try to be up to the task and make life hard for Lazio.
“When in doubt between players, I base my decision partly on what I see on the training ground and partly by looking at the opposition. We've trained well for this game. We still have the final session to do but I'm pleased. We have nearly everyone available. After tomorrow's training session, we'll have another night to sleep on it then on Monday we'll see who's in the starting line-up. We have clear ideas about how we need to play. The small details will be important but we'll make the final decisions on Monday.”
“The goalkeeper decision is not an easy one. I've been thinking about it for days. [Daniele] Padelli played superbly against Parma and kept the scoreline intact with his experience and quality. [Maduka] Okoye is available for selection and has been training well but he hasn't played recently. I'll make the final call on Monday.”
“[Florian] Thauvin skipped training on Thursday as a precaution. He had a little niggle but nothing serious. We kept him out of the session. Thauvin has always played well when he's been picked. He needs a bit of rest every now and then so that he can perform at his best. He's a leader of this team so he should always be in top form. I hope he can stay at his current level because he's important for the team and the team are supporting him – it's a win win situation. It's important for me to have him available and I'm sure he'll be ok for Monday.
“We need to focus on ourselves. Lazio are playing well. They've scored the most goals through substitutes and generally in the last half an hour. They have a strong mindset and team spirit as well as quality individuals. We saw that in the Europa League, when they managed to win despite playing with nine men. They have a lot of options and strength in depth. We have to concentrate on what we've prepared and put it into practice on the pitch. The match will be decided by lots of factors but we're going to need quality.
“We're enjoying a good spell of form. We've improved and found some consistency. We know what we can do but also what we need to work on. Lazio are still the favourites. They're playing at home, they're in great form and are a very close-knit team – you can see that from the way they all celebrate together and help each other on the pitch. We're going to need energy and we'll have to put everything into it. We must be worthy opponents and make it hard for them.
“I'm happy that [Jesper] Karlstrom has adapted so well to Serie A. He's come from a different league albeit a physical one. He's a player I noticed in Poland and he was key to Lech Poznan's game. He's important for us with the position he takes up. He gives us stability and links attack and defence. He works really hard and never takes a back seat. That's what we need. He's also a great lad. He was an excellent signing because we lost Walace in the summer and we needed a good, experienced replacement. Let's hope he continues like this – or gets even better – and I hope he gets called up to his national team because he deserves it.”