‘In my 11 years at Udinese, the talent I saw in Okoye I struggle to find in other goalkeepers’: Says Goalkeeping Coach, Brunner

Udinese goalkeeping coach Alex Brunner has spoken candidly about the club’s current goalkeeping situation, reaffirming Maduka Okoye’s place as the team’s first-choice keeper.

Speaking to Udinese Tonight, Brunner emphasized that despite recent challenges, the Nigerian goalkeeper remains central to the club’s plans.

Brunner explained that within Udinese’s internal hierarchy, Okoye is seen as the natural starter.

‘He has always been the starting goalkeeper for Udinese, because we see Maduka as a talent,’ Brunner said. ‘We know that we need to work to help him find continuity of performance, which is not at the highest level at the moment.’

The coach highlighted the extraordinary ability Okoye demonstrates in training, comparing his skills to those expected at top clubs.

‘In my 11 years at Udinese, the talent I saw in Okoye I struggle to find in other goalkeepers,’ Brunner admitted. ‘If you come to see the training, Maduka does amazing things. Then he lacks continuity of performance and we have to find a way to give it to him.’

Brunner also pointed out Okoye’s remarkable physical attributes.

Standing at 1.96 meters, Okoye combines size with unusual speed and agility. ‘Nature was generous with him,’ Brunner noted.

‘Sometimes with the strength in his legs he covers the goal more than he should. He is very fast even in low saves.’ Yet, Brunner acknowledged that off-pitch issues and the fierce criticism typical in Italy have made it harder for Okoye to maintain consistency.

Reflecting on Okoye’s recent spell on the bench against Como, Brunner explained that the decision was meant to apply internal pressure.

‘The reasoning was to make him understand that not everything is due but he has to earn it,’ he said. #Daniele did very well, but we have a duty to develop Okoye, who is a goalkeeper we all believe in.’