On the eve of the Serie A match against Lazio, Juventus coach Igor Tudor spoke in a press conference. Below are his answers to the journalists in the room.
Should one expect an aggressive approach like the one against Bologna? With Lazio, what kind of game do you expect?
“It was a game done well with all components. The goal is always to be that team with that mentality. The soccer you want to do is to go forward and hurt but, when there is to defend, to do it all.”
What have you seen in the team this week or last period that gives you confidence for the season finale?
“I saw a good week with a little more awareness and confidence. There is a lot of desire to do well. We know the importance of the game and we have all prepared as best we can.”
What is the condition of the injured?
“Dusan has been with us all week. He is fine, the others are not except for Gatti who did a small part of a training and at this point we are taking him to the bench.”
Last year he was called to Lazio under similar conditions to his arrival at Juve. What are the similarities and differences from that situation?
“You cannot compare any situation because they are clubs, players and difficult times. There is always a job to be done, the coach’s job that has to be done to the fullest, doing all those things that we know and have to do. Then, the difficulties are everywhere and they are different. I always say that coaching a minor league team or coaching Real Madrid, from my point of view on the problems, is similar. The types of problems are different, but you always have to grow the players, the confidence, the environment and the physical fitness. Here I found myself from day one with big issues of players because important pieces were out. However, they have to be accepted by bringing out the best in those that are there. Because there is great quality in them and I saw a team that wants to finish well in this league and take what we want.”
Is there a feeling of revenge in this match?
“No, I didn’t talk about when I left Lazio. I only say two things. A great job was done, taking a team in great difficulty, bringing it back to the Europa League. In that mini-league, Lazio finished second in those 10 days, behind only Atalanta. That means a great job was done. Afterwards, with peace and serenity, I made the decision to leave, but I love them all and wish them the best. This is for me everything about them.”
What is the key to facing Lazio better?
“The key is always themselves, that is, the team. They are a strong team, different from Bologna in one respect. They have other qualities. It is an experienced team with players who are well, even for many years. They have built an identity. We have to be careful about everything, however, I always say to stay focused on ourselves to be the best version of us, going strong the whole game.”
Can one summer and a few big hits be enough to rebuild the Juve he experienced as a player?
“I prefer not to answer about the future and focus on the present, which is tomorrow’s race. We will see what the future will bring.”
Is there a version of Juventus that has convinced you the most in these six games with you at the technical helm?
“There were many pieces done well. In the last game there was substance, concreteness and mentality of the highest level. I saw a lot of good times. The first half with Roma was high-level soccer: it was created, it was given and it was wanted. From day one I always say that you must not limit yourself to anything to build a team. You have to have everything, working on it. Then, there are moments, there are difficulties and issues that maybe don’t help you, but you must not give up. You have to get the most out of all situations and all moments.”
Is the fact that since his arrival Juve has never scored in the second half a factor? What could this be due to?
“I don’t know, I honestly never think about these things here. I always coach to go hard, telling the guys that you have to do it regardless of the result or goal advantage. You have to always go strong and always the same. I’m not of those who say that after 1-0 you have to go slow or behind. I think this has to be the right mentality that we want to achieve. Then, there are many arguments I could bring up to answer this question, however, this is not the time and it doesn’t lead to anything. You have to focus on these few competitions that are there.”
Do you already know how to replace Cambiaso? Can you tell us?
“He already knows the answer about him and the changes in the team.”
Can you call this match a playoff for Champions? How did you present it to the boys?
“This is a nice little game on your part. I’ve been hearing about all finals for 6-7 days (laughs Ed). It’s a big game, though, if you win it and then lose the last two … there are 9 points available and everyone here in Italy is playing for something and wants to win. This is nice and, for me, all three games are the same. This one is the most important because it’s the first one.”
Do you think Douglas Luiz can be important at least for this final stretch of the season?
“I have spoken many times about Douglas and I don’t want to repeat myself. I have explained everything about him. I love him, he is a strong player and I hope he can help out until the end.”
Are you satisfied with this Juventus you have coached so far on the mental and physical level, or are you disappointed and would still like something else?
“I am never happy, because a coach has to be like that. As I said before, there have been parts of games played at a high level and, in general, I am happy. I see a team growing and giving everything, despite the issues we have. Generally, I see a lot of positivity. Then, there has to be need, because without it there is no growth. Never being content is the key to growth. Anyone who is content and says we are doing well means they are someone who has already gone beyond that. This is the rule of sports.”
Are you convinced of Champions qualification? If yes, where does this awareness come from?
“Everyone is convinced. Can there be a team and a coach who are not? Of course we are convinced. Then there is the field and we have to prove it there. Everyone says they are strong, but then there are facts and training. Beliefs are important, but it’s not because you say you win then it happens. Those are just words that many times are just smoke. You have to prepare well, choose and that’s where conviction is created.”
The article Lazio-Juve, Tudor: “Vlahovic is fine. Gatti is recovered” comes from JuveNews.eu.
