Igor Tudor has opened up about his deep connection with Juventus, reflecting on his years as a player in Turin and his present role in the dugout. Speaking to DAZN in an interview conducted by former teammate Ciro Ferrara, the Croatian coach offered emotional insights into both his past and present with the Bianconeri.
“Juventus truly represents a part of my life, it has built me so much as a person and as a coach. If I can say it personally, Juve is a part of me,” Tudor explained.
Memories as a Player
Tudor recalled the impact of arriving at Juventus during the club’s Champions League-winning years, a period that left lasting impressions.
“Juve was winning in the Champions League back then, it was something unreal,” he said. “It was special to see Zidane train alone on a pitch with people preparing him. Those are things I still carry from those years. We used to carry the goalposts and balls ourselves, now thirty people do it. They were different times, today it’s much tougher.”
Tudor also paid tribute to the historic group of teammates who embodied the club’s spirit.
“I want to speak of Birindelli, Pessotto, Montero, Ferrara, and Del Piero. Alex got really angry if we lost even a small training match. That is the famous Juventus spirit. In life, I do the same: I teach with actions, with examples, few words and consistency. Never turning away when someone makes a mistake, always staying focused in training. The match itself is the easiest part.”
Key Players for Today
The Croatian manager underlined the importance of Gleison Bremer to the current team.
“He has enormous importance under every aspect, both as a player and as a leader. The dressing room needs him and his charisma. He’s as good as bread, always willing to help. With Ferrara and Montero would he have started? In a back two maybe not, but in a three, yes,” he smiled.
Tudor was equally candid about Dusan Vlahovic.
“His situation with the expiring contract is very particular. It will do him good; he’s 25 and still building himself as a person. The best years are ahead of him, he’s halfway through his career. He’s strong, his growth has been significant and he did it all himself, finding the strength to stay focused during a very difficult moment. I try to give him love when needed, and when he needs the stick, I give him the stick.”
When speaking about Kenan Yildiz, Tudor had only admiration.
“The other day I realised I never tell Yildiz anything in front of the others, because he always does what he must. Rarely do we have anything to correct, either in play or behaviour. The difference is the inner motivation one must have every day. Yildiz is showing that and I hope it continues. He has all the attributes to become a real top player.”
Asked about which legend he would add to today’s Juventus, Tudor smiled: “Zidane. Zizou is football.”
Ambitions from the Bench
Reflecting on his journey into coaching, Tudor admitted he has unfinished business with Juventus.
“I played little and stopped early because of ankle problems. I always felt I hadn’t given everything I could. Since I started coaching at 31, I dreamed of managing Juventus, I felt indebted to this club,” he admitted.
Looking ahead, his goals are clear.
“The Scudetto? Of course this team can fight to win it. At the start of the season, in a couple of meetings, I spoke of winning the league and of our objectives. Then I close the door and never speak of it again all season. I only speak of concrete things because it’s not about talking, it’s about achieving them.”
Focus on the Derby d’Italia
Finally, Tudor turned his attention to the looming clash with Inter.
“This match is worth more than three points. For me, it’s easier to prepare these games. Inter are a great team, with mature players who arrive with significant experience. We will play our cards, go with our strengths, and work on their weaknesses. Then we will see.”
