Juventus manager Igor Tudor emphasized the importance of treating every game as a final ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash against Lecce at the Allianz Stadium. In his press conference, Tudor highlighted the team’s mindset and preparation for the match.
“The group is doing well, we worked well on everything in this week that was a bit shorter than last week. You can see more and more confidence in the team. We worked on the technical part, and on the mentality as well. Every match should be approached like a final,” Tudor stated. He reiterated that past and future considerations are less important, focusing instead on the present. “I am happy because I found the lads with a desire to work and improve, this has been my good fortune. Their response surprised me positively, they are the ones who make the difference.”
Tudor noted that the team’s confidence has grown following a solid performance against Roma. “You can see more confidence and the enjoyment of doing things right,” he said. However, Juventus has struggled against lower-ranked teams, including Lecce, in the past. “The right mentality comes with time,” Tudor argued. “Every match is like a final. When you give your all for the team, the group, the mentality and the victories come. Wins create more wins, but the challenge is always with yourself.”
Regarding player updates, Tudor mentioned that Khephren Thuram trained with the team and will be evaluated again before the match. “There are other players as well, we’ll see tomorrow who plays,” he said. Teun Koopmeiners is also an option in midfield, having shown improvement in training. “I’ve seen him more positive and energetic,” Tudor noted.
Francisco Conceição, who has been frustrated with his playing time, received a message from Tudor. “He’s a player I really like; he can make a difference because he dribbles well and takes on his man. I’m sorry he’s not playing. I know how it feels. But there is just one match per week and fewer opportunities. I told him: ‘If I see you doing well, I’ll play you.’ I’m happier when I change my mind. That’s what I told him. It applies to him and the others.”
Tudor also praised Douglas Luiz as a top-quality player with incredible vision and shooting ability, though he is recovering from injuries. Gleison Bremer, though injured, remains influential, providing advice and leadership. “He’s the best defender in the world,” Tudor said. “It’s great to see him, running, talking every day, doing his treatments, being part of the team even when he’s not training. He’s a very important player.”
In analyzing Lecce, Tudor noted that they are an aggressive team, dangerous on the counter, coached by a very good coach whom he respects. However, he emphasized that Juventus must focus mainly on themselves. “Tomorrow night’s is a very difficult game. We have to focus on our game, there are no calculations to make or think about, there is no other way to do it,” Tudor said.
On the broader context of the Champions League race, Tudor dismissed calculations, focusing instead on the immediate task at hand. “For me, it doesn’t change anything. For those who make calculations, journalists and fans, it’s only right that they have fun with it; it’s intriguing,” he said. “Tomorrow is another battle; we try to do the right things from a tactical point of view, and then you focus on the next training session. There is no other way to do it, these calculations are futile and yield no benefits, only distractions.”
Tudor also reflected on the influence of former coach Fabio Capello, whom he respects deeply. “He’s someone I really appreciate as a coach. I learned a lot from him. Again, football is great because everyone can have their say,” Tudor noted.
