Igor Tudor Takes the Helm at Juventus

Igor Tudor has taken the reins as the interim head coach of Juventus, succeeding Thiago Motta, and he is eager to hit the ground running. In his introductory press conference, Tudor emphasized the need for rapid improvement within the team and humorously expressed his wish for a 10-year contract at the iconic Allianz Stadium.

Tudor, who officially began his role over the weekend, immediately engaged with the players, welcoming international squad members back for training and preparing for the upcoming matches. His appreciation for the opportunity was evident from the start as he thanked the Juventus board. 'I am grateful to the director and the entire club for this chance to coach a club of this magnitude. I plan to give everything I have to meet the expectations here,' Tudor remarked.

What Needs Improvement?

When asked about the team's previous struggles, Tudor refrained from criticizing Motta, instead focusing on the present and future. He identified set-pieces as a crucial area for improvement, asserting, 'Set-pieces are vital on both ends of the field, and we need to enhance our performance in that regard. It’s a critical aspect of modern football that can earn vital points.'

Tudor also addressed the importance of fostering a lighthearted environment within the squad while simultaneously focusing on tactical improvement. 'It’s essential that everyone enjoys their work, but we must also approach it with the seriousness it deserves. We can’t neglect any details, and we must adapt quickly while being fully aware of who we represent,' he stated.

He conveyed his intent to nurture a more exciting and attacking style of play but reminded everyone of the need for balance, insisting that football should be vibrant and engaging.

Leadership and Football Culture Changes

While confirming that Manuel Locatelli will serve as Juventus' captain moving forward, Tudor acknowledged the need to assess the leadership dynamics of the squad further, given that he has only recently commenced training with the full team. He also reflected on how football culture has evolved over the decades, expressing that contemporary players often have different personalities than those in the past. 'The landscape has changed significantly. In the past, there was a stronger sense of individuality, and teamwork can sometimes falter when many players are involved,' he shared.

Tudor reiterated the importance of strong character at Juventus, stating that age is irrelevant when it comes to performance, and emphasized the club's commitment to making the right choices in player selection.

Tudor's Personal Connection to Juventus

Sharing personal anecdotes from his first stint at Juventus, Tudor reminisced about the impact of stars like Zinedine Zidane and Alessandro Del Piero during his early days at the club. His experiences remind him of the camaraderie and humility that once defined the team culture. 'I remember Zidane giving me a helping hand and Del Piero teaching me small things, all of which contribute to making a remarkable team spirit,' he said.

Concluding his press conference, Tudor reached out to the Juventus fans, acknowledging their steadfast support. 'The fans have always been pivotal, and I am confident they will rally behind us on Saturday. We face a challenging match against Vieira, who is performing well, but with the fans' backing, I believe we can deliver a great performance.'

As Tudor prepares for his debut match as head coach, the Juventus faithful will be eager to see how quickly he can make an impact and steer the club back towards its winning ways.