Quick exit for David Alaba? Udinese deal in jeopardy

Only 63 minutes on the pitch – former Bayern star David Alaba is already facing the exit again, after his stint at Udinese Calcio has shown little success. The 34‑year‑old Austrian came into action in October, but already after a short time a swift departure is being discussed.

David Alaba's new engagement with the Italian top‑flight club Udinese Calcio has so far not written a success story. The Austrian, who made his international breakthrough at FC Bayern Munich, did not receive a new contract after five injury‑marred years at Real Madrid.

After a difficult search, he found an offer at the end of September and signed a season contract with Udinese in Udine. His first appearance was in mid‑October, when he played 18 minutes as a substitute in the 1‑2 loss against Torino.

A week later he started in the home match against Lecce, but at halftime his team was already 0‑2 down. Coach Kosta Runjaic then took him off the field.

This was Alaba's last appearance to date, before he withdrew with a calf injury. Austrian media are already speculating whether the 34‑year‑old defender is again affected by a stubborn calf injury.

Coaching change and relegation danger

Kosta Runjaic, who had brought Alaba to Udine, was replaced by Paolo Zanetti, but the situation did not improve. Following the 1‑2 defeat in Venice, Udinese Calcio slipped to the bottom place in Serie A and is in the highest danger of relegation.

Alaba won the Champions League twice each, once with FC Bayern and once with Real Madrid. With the Munich side he became German champion ten times, with the Royal club twice.

In his home country Austria he was voted Footballer of the Year ten times.