Andrea Cambiaso, speaking from the United States ahead of Juventus’ Club World Cup debut, opened up in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by IlBianconero) about his commitment to the club, the atmosphere under coach Igor Tudor, and his ambitions for the tournament.
Cambiaso began by recalling a recent visit from John Elkann at Continassa. “John Elkann at Continassa? He showed us the embroidery of the international cups. It would be nice to give him a new one, with one more trophy…”
On the Club World Cup:
“A huge opportunity. We are aware of it, and Elkann reminded us: he gave a great speech at Continassa, telling us it’s a privilege to be here, so we want to approach it well and will do everything we can to win. We are full of enthusiasm.”
On Expectations:
“We don’t even know what to expect because it’s a first time: it will be a surprise, but just being here for the debut is already something great. Of course, we’re all tired, but playing is our job and it’s a beautiful thing.”
On Managing Such a Demanding Tournament:
“In football, there will always be more and more games. We just have to work and approach the matches in the best way possible. Of course, it’s hard to keep the quality high for so long. A footballer’s career is destined to be shorter due to the increasing number of matches. Think of Yamal, an absolute phenomenon who at 17-18 years old has already played over 100 games. Naturally, careers will get shorter, but it’s part of the growth and development of the sport.”
On the Squad’s Support for Tudor:
“Absolutely true. The coach achieved the Champions League goal, deserved confirmation, and presented himself very well to us, helping in a delicate moment when there was no time to experiment. We just had to achieve the objective, so he worked a lot on the mental aspect and did very well. Now it will be different, we’ll do the preparation with him and can work more tactically. We’ve already had a taste. We’re all very happy to move forward with him.”
On the Obsession with Winning:
“Inevitably yes, because when you’re at Juventus you feel it in every corner of Continassa. We must have the obsession to win, the dream is to do it at the World Cup too. Surely getting past the group stage is a goal, then we’ll see.”
On the Team’s Technical Leader:
“There are many high-level players, but the future belongs to Yildiz: he has the qualities to become a superstar.”
On Tudor’s Motivational Message:
“To focus a lot on the present, trying to win every game. In these competitions that last a month, if you get one or two games right, you find yourself in the final round.”
On Transfer Rumors Involving Milan and Napoli:
“I haven’t received any calls, maybe my agents have. For sure, the only certainty in life is death, but I’m happy here. I haven’t spoken with Tudor, but I know the club and the coach think very highly of me. I feel everyone’s trust, I’m happy in Turin and I’ve never asked to leave. Has Guardiola called me again? No.”
On Being Central to the Project:
“Mentally, I’ve made great progress. It’s been a tough season for me too, the second half didn’t go as I wanted, but now I’ve put it all behind me. I feel good now and my condition will improve with games. I had physical problems that affected me a lot, but nothing more. I’m 25 and playing for Juventus, I have no other problems.”
On Gattuso as Italy Coach:
“Not yet (I haven’t heard from him), but I’m very happy. I hope to come back to America next summer with Italy.”
On Thiago Motta:
“I don’t know what didn’t work, but last August I never would have guessed it would end like this. I’m sorry because I know him well, I had him at Bologna and I think he’s a great coach, but something just didn’t click, the results say that.”
