Technical director Gokhan Inler leverages a multi-club development model and strategic transfers to fuel the Serie A club's ambitious European goals.
Udinese, an enduring presence in Italy's top flight, is experiencing a resurgence, having concluded their previous campaign with their strongest league finish since the 2012-13 season. As the club celebrates its 130th anniversary, there's a clear aspiration within the Friulian outfit to ascend further up the Serie A table and push for a coveted place in European competitions.
Guiding this ambitious trajectory is technical director Gokhan Inler, a former player for the club, who is implementing a distinct development and transfer strategy. His approach focuses on nurturing young talent, strategically managing player movements, and leveraging multi-club ownership advantages to foster continuous growth.
The club also benefited from a quieter World Cup period, with only Jesper Karlstrom participating for Sweden, allowing manager Kosta Runjaic to conduct a more standard preseason compared to some rivals. Their squad stability is notable, with Arthur Atta's move to Serie A representing their primary major departure this summer, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Soccer.
Udinese's Player Development Philosophy for European Ambitions
Udinese operates with a clear philosophy centered on developing and ultimately selling players, a common necessity for clubs outside the financial elite. However, they skillfully balance this with on-field success, building a reputation that attracts promising youngsters seeking playing time and a pathway to higher levels.
“We have a lot of young players, and that's why I'm here in this position to also push them to the limit,” technical director Gokhan Inler stated in an interview ahead of the season. He emphasized that arriving at Udinese is just the beginning for these players. “If you arrive at Udinese, it is not finished yet; you need to perform, you need to make the next step.”
Inler takes pride in the club's role, noting, “Udinese is famous for giving time to the players to develop. I'm proud that these players [like Atta] can take the next step because he worked good, he respected the football rules, the environment here.” This commitment to player growth is fundamental to their strategy for achieving European contention.
Leveraging Multi-Club Ownership for Player Growth
Part of Udinese's distinctive transfer strategy involves a mix of promising young players with significant sell-on value, such as forward Idrissa Gueye, and experienced talents like Nicolo Zaniolo. Crucially, their multi-club ownership model, led by the Pozzo family, integrates Championship side Watford, a setup that previously included LaLiga's Girona.
This multi-club structure is becoming increasingly prevalent in football, facilitating shared resources and creating additional development pathways for players. For Udinese, it means players who might not yet be ready for Serie A can hone their skills in England with Watford before potentially returning to Italy. This dynamic creates a beneficial two-way flow for both clubs, ensuring competitive products for fans.
“Having Watford and Udine is a good combination for the players,” Inler affirmed. “If one player is maybe ready to perform, you can call him back to Udinese. For example, we had James Abankwah this year, he played many games with Watford, and this season he came back and is more ready. Some players need time, and needing time means playing, because the younger players need to play.”
Gokhan Inler's Experience Guides Udinese's Ascent
The technical director's deep understanding of the player journey stems from his own career, which included time as a player for Udinese itself. His experience of both highs and lows, including winning a Premier League title with Leicester City while making only five appearances, provides a unique perspective he shares with the squad.
“I had many stories, ups and downs. I win a lot, but I also sacrifice a lot,” Inler recounted. “Now in my role, it's crucial because I can explain to the players that football is not finished from today to tomorrow.” He uses his past, including the challenge of losing his national team captaincy during his Leicester City tenure, to impart valuable lessons about resilience and the long-term nature of a football career.
Inler's ability to relate to players on a personal level allows him to effectively balance the daily challenges of his director role with his passion for driving the club forward. His recent two-year contract extension underscores his commitment to this unique project.
Udinese Targets European Return After Consistent Serie A Growth
Udinese's improved performance is not an overnight phenomenon. The club has consistently climbed the league standings in each of the last three seasons, with Inler playing a pivotal role in two of those campaigns. This steady progress is a testament to significant investments in improving club facilities and a disciplined player development system.
For clubs operating on more modest budgets, like Udinese, it's crucial to minimize errors in player acquisition and development. The current objective has now sharpened to securing a place in European competition. While the ambition is clear, the club recognizes that achieving this goal remains a process of continued, diligent improvement, building on their consistent growth in Serie A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gokhan Inler and what is his role at Udinese?
Gokhan Inler is the technical director for Udinese. A former player for the club, he is responsible for guiding player development, transfer strategy, and pushing the team toward European contention, leveraging his deep understanding of the game.
How does the multi-club ownership model benefit Udinese?
The multi-club ownership model, which includes Watford in England's Championship, allows Udinese to share resources and provide diverse development pathways for players. Talents not yet ready for Serie A can gain valuable experience at Watford before potentially returning to play in Italy.
What are Udinese's ambitions for the upcoming Serie A season?
Following their highest league finish in a decade, Udinese's primary ambition for the upcoming Serie A season is to continue their steady improvement and secure a place in European club competitions.
Which players have developed through Udinese's system?
Udinese is renowned for developing young players, with Arthur Atta highlighted as a recent example of a player who progressed through their system before making a significant move. The club also uses its multi-club structure to develop players like James Abankwah, who played with Watford before returning to Udinese more prepared for Serie A.