A Thrilling Turnaround

In a thrilling turnaround, Juventus players Kenan Yildiz and Manuel Locatelli have expressed their enthusiasm for the new direction brought by head coach Igor Tudor. This sentiment springs from their recent narrow 1-0 victory against Genoa, which marked Tudor's debut match after the dismissal of Thiago Motta, who faced the axe following consecutive defeats to Atalanta and Fiorentina.

Tudor's Tactical Shift

Tudor's reshuffling on the pitch included a switch to a dynamic 3-4-2-1 formation, notably featuring Dusan Vlahovic, while leaving Randal Kolo Muani on the bench. The decisive goal came from Kenan Yildiz, who found the net with a stunning shot from a challenging angle. What made the goal even more unique was Tudor’s unexpected role as a ball boy—springing into action to expedite a throw-in, which caught Genoa's defenders off-guard.

Players' Reactions

Reflecting on the game, Yildiz told DAZN, "It was a good goal, one of my best. I hope to score more typical goals too. We're feeling positive now; we worked hard as a squad." He emphasized the fresh energy Tudor has instilled in the team, encouraging them to improve.

Standing in Serie A

Despite this revitalizing win, Juventus remains in fifth place in Serie A, just behind Bologna, who secured a win over Venezia. The competition for Champions League qualification is heating up, and the players recognize the urgency of maintaining their momentum. Locatelli commented, “We owe gratitude to the previous coach for his efforts, but it's time to focus on our targets and win the upcoming matches.”

Humorous Moments

Khephren Thuram, who also prominently featured in the encounter, humorously recalled a light-hearted moment during Tudor’s introductory press conference where his father, Lilian Thuram, granted Tudor permission to discipline him if necessary. Reflecting on his father's words, Khephren expressed amusement while acknowledging Tudor's intense coaching style. “He emphasizes aggressiveness when off the ball, and I appreciate his approach,” he commented.

Belief in Improvement

The players believe that with time, performance will improve further. Thuram acknowledged the strength of their opponents, Genoa, and said, “It’s just the first week with a new coach, and I think we can only get better from here.”

Fan Hopes and Future Matches

As Juventus embarks on its campaign under Tudor, fans are eagerly hoping for a resurgence in their form, underpinned by the youth and determination in their squad. Will this fresh start be the key to regaining their status among Italy's elite? The next few matches will reveal if Tudor can transform Juventus’s fortunes and lead them back into Champions League contention.