Former AC Milan goalkeeping coach, Luigi Turci, has warned Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, that he must improve his performances to maintain his position as club’s number one.
The Udinese goalkeeper has faced increased scrutiny due to a succession of substandard performances during the campaign’s initial phase, having allowed 13 goals across the first six matches.
Okoye’s personal life has also garnered considerable public attention, with widely circulated dating speculation connecting him to prominent models and celebrities.
Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic expressed forthright criticism of the Super Eagles goalkeeper following a huge error that resulted in Torino’s decisive goal during their Serie A match on Monday.
Okoye had advanced from his line to tackle a long-range pass but collided with teammate Nicolo Bertola, enabling Sandro Kulenović to capitalize and score the winning goal.
Regarding whether Okoye should start against Lecce, Turci contended that goalkeepers should not face consequences merely for committing an error.
“Following such a mistake, there is no justification in disciplining a goalkeeper as punishment,” he communicated to Messaggero Veneto.
“From an external perspective, Okoye must have complete confidence and serve as the starting goalkeeper against Lecce, provided he maintains composure, which Brunner and Marcon, his coaches, will assess.”
While Turci has backed the Nigerian international, he emphasized that such endorsement cannot persist indefinitely without demonstrated performances of quality.
“It is equally evident that confidence has limitations, and he must justify his position, because if you fail to deliver assurances over time, there is nothing in the contract preventing his replacement.”
Acquired from Watford in August 2023, Okoye maintains a contract with Udinese extending through June 30, 2028.