Serie A: Why I conceded 10 goals in 4 matches for Udinese – Maduka Okoye

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has attributed the 10 goals he conceded in his first four Serie A matches this season to defensive adjustments made by manager Kosta Runjaić. Throughout the season, Runjaić has frequently switched centre-backs, using seven different options in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation during six matches across all competitions.

As a result, Okoye has only managed one clean sheet this season, achieved in a Coppa Italia game against Padova. The most goals he has conceded in a single Serie A match occurred recently when Inter Milan staged a comeback from a two-goal deficit, winning 5-3. This was also the highest number of goals he has conceded in a match since his debut.

Okoye has called for immediate improvement, stressing that Udinese's defense must perform better regardless of the selected players. In an interview on TV 12's Udinese Tonight programme, he explained, "The fact that the defense underwent changes in nearly every game may have contributed to the goals conceded, but even with different players, one should still perform adequately."

Okoye acknowledged that they have faced tough opponents and that ten goals is a significant amount, emphasizing that they are actively addressing the issue. The goalkeeper and his Udinese teammates will next face Cagliari in their final fixture before an international break.