Exclusive: Maduka Okoye Hails Udinese Progress Under Runjaic – But Won’t Rule Out Premier League Move

Nigeria international Maduka Okoye has praised Udinese’s performance in the 2024-25 Serie A season, while crediting the club’s strong form to improved team cohesion. 

The White and Blacks secured a 12th-place finish in the Italian top flight, collecting 44 points from 38 matches, an improvement on their 2023–24 campaign, where they ended the season in 15th place.

The Bluenergy Stadium giants bowed out of the Coppa Italia in the Second Round following a loss to Salernitana. Still, the goalkeeper has labelled the campaign a success, stating that the team achieved its set targets.

"We started very good. Of course, I think we could have finished better, but in general, I think we had a very good season," Okoye told SportsBoom.com. 

"We ended up 12th with 44 points. This is a success. We tried to reach 50 points. We didn't reach that, but anyways, I think it was a good season as a team and also individually."

"I'm happy with my season and I'm looking forward to the next season."

"Top six was not the target of Udinese. Our target was 50 points, it was clear from the beginning and we were six points short."

"There were two and three games we could have won but football is not easy, you win some and lose some. In general, I think 44 points from 50 points as a target is alright and we are happy as a team." 

OKOYE ATTRIBUTES FORM TO RUNJAIC

The former Watford goalkeeper featured in 25 Serie A matches for Udinese, delivering several standout performances that proved vital in securing points in key fixtures.

Okoye credits his resurgence to Kosta Runjaic, praising the manager’s influence as a major factor in his personal development and the team’s overall improvement.

"He has done a lot, to be honest. First of all, I'm very grateful for what Costa has done," he continued.

"He changed my style as a goalkeeper because he needs a goalkeeper who is playing a lot with the feet."

"For me, it was a very, very big upgrade and a big step in front because I played almost like a central defender. It's very important in today's football."

"He really helped me a lot and I'm very happy that he's my coach."

ADJUSTMENT TO UDINESE'S TACTICS

The African also opened up about his tactical adaptation at Udinese, stressing how the Italian side’s style of play has challenged and refined his approach to the game.

Since joining the Serie A outfit from Watford, he has had to adjust to a system that places heavy emphasis on positional discipline, ball-playing ability, and quick decision-making attributes that are essential in modern Italian football.

"First of all, compared to last season, we changed a little bit. I conceded a few more goals than last season because we started to play more football and attack also a little bit more," Okoye stated.

"That makes us also a little bit weaker because the other teams can counter. We ran into a few counter-attacks this season but it was very important that we changed something because last season [2023-24] we only won [six league] and we were close to relegation."

"So, we changed something. Costa, our coach changed something. The sporting director changed something and they changed it into something very good because the results were way better and we had a good season."

RETURN TO ENGLAND STILL A POSSIBILITY

Following his impressive spell at Sparta Rotterdam, he joined Premier League side Watford, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal. 

He made his debut for the Hornets in an EFL Cup clash against MK Dons on August 23, 2022. However, his time in England was marked by limited playing opportunities, ultimately cutting his stint short.

Now back to his best, Okoye isn’t ruling out a return to England but says he’s currently happy at Udinese.

He added: "Of course, yes. I want to make a step but right now I'm at Udinese and I'm very happy there."

"I'm very grateful to the club and what the Pozzo family have done for me. That's why I commit everything to Udinese at this point."

"Of course, in the future the Premier League has always been a dream and I wouldn't say no but right now at this time I'm at Udinese playing and I'm very happy there."

Okoye joined Udinese on August 24, 2023, on a four-year deal and extended it in August 2024, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2028.