Runjaic Blames Costly Error as Udinese Crash to Fourth Straight Defeat

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | Kosta Runjaic has taken full responsibility after Udinese suffered a fourth consecutive Serie A defeat, a 2-1 loss at Torino on Sunday. The coach described the decisive moment as ‘Runjaic Another big mistake like against Cagliari as Udinese slump to fourth straight defeat,’ echoing the costly error that preceded the international break. ‘I’m always optimistic, that’s my approach to life,’ Runjaic said. ‘We lost because of a big mistake, like against Cagliari. As head coach, I’m responsible too. It was a lack of communication and perception, and with mistakes like these you end up losing games.’

The match turned on a goalkeeping blunder from Maduka Okoye, who failed to deal with a routine ball, allowing substitute Sandro Kulenovic to score the winner midway through the second half. It was a gut-wrenching moment for the Friulani, who had fought back from a goal down. Daniel Bragança had given Torino the lead before the interval, but Jurgen Ekkelenkamp equalised for Udinese, seemingly setting the stage for a hard-fought point. Instead, Okoye’s error handed the hosts all three points and extended Udinese’s miserable run.

For Runjaic, the manner of the defeat was painfully familiar. The coach had already seen his side undone by a similar lapse against Cagliari, and he couldn’t hide his frustration. ‘Runjaic Another big mistake like against Cagliari as Udinese slump to fourth straight defeat’ was the theme of his post-match comments, as he lamented the recurring nature of his team’s self-destruction. ‘We didn’t score or create many chances. The defensive error is costly, but Torino’s first goal also came from a set piece. Congratulations to Torino. I’ll try to keep the team united and morale high. In the end, the result is that we lost, and we have to get through this moment by encouraging one another.’

Udinese remain on four points from their opening fixtures, and the pressure is beginning to mount on Runjaic. However, the coach insisted there were positives to take from the performance. He highlighted the return of defender Oumar Solet, who showed his importance after a spell on the sidelines, and the continued development of Ekkelenkamp, who confirmed his qualities with a well-taken goal. ‘Every game brings positives,’ Runjaic added. ‘There’s the return of Solet, who showed how important he is. Ekkelenkamp also confirmed his qualities, and now we’re waiting for a lot of players to come back.’

One of those returning players is David Alaba, who made his debut off the bench with 18 minutes remaining. The former Real Madrid defender had been carefully managed after three months without a competitive game, and Runjaic explained before kick-off that Alaba needed time to regain match sharpness. His introduction provided a glimmer of hope for the future, but it was not enough to mask the disappointment of another defeat.

The statistics make for grim reading for Udinese. Four straight losses, four points from a possible twelve, and a series of individual errors that have directly cost them points. The defeat at Torino was particularly galling because it came against a side that had also struggled for consistency. Runjaic’s men showed character to equalise, but their inability to hold onto the draw – or push for a winner – highlighted the lack of cutting edge that the coach has bemoaned all season.

Defensively, the team has been their own worst enemy. Okoye’s error was the latest in a string of costly mistakes, and it raises questions about the goalkeeper’s concentration and communication with his defence. Runjaic admitted that the lack of communication and perception was at the heart of the problem, and he vowed to address it on the training ground. ‘We have to encourage one another,’ he said. ‘I’ll try to keep the team united and morale high.’

For Torino, the win was a welcome boost after a mixed start to the campaign. Kulenovic’s goal, his first for the club, proved decisive, and the Croatian striker will be hoping it kick-starts his season. Bragança’s opener was also a well-worked set-piece routine, something that Runjaic noted as another area for improvement. ‘Torino’s first goal also came from a set piece,’ he said, pointing to a defensive lapse that allowed the Portuguese midfielder to strike.

As Udinese lick their wounds, the international break cannot come soon enough. It will give Runjaic time to work with his players, integrate the returning stars, and iron out the errors that have plagued their campaign. The coach remains optimistic, but he knows that results must improve quickly if Udinese are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. The next fixture, against a mid-table rival, represents a golden opportunity to stop the rot and restore confidence.

In conclusion, Udinese’s fourth straight defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, but it is not fatal. The return of key players like Solet and Alaba, coupled with the emergence of Ekkelenkamp, offers hope for the future. Runjaic’s leadership will be tested, but his positive attitude and willingness to shoulder responsibility could be the catalyst for a turnaround. The mistakes must be eradicated, and the team must learn to close out games. If they can do that, the season is far from lost.