After Juventus’ victory in the Derby d’Italia against Inter, Igor Tudor was already focused on the Champions League debut against Borussia Dortmund. Speaking in the pre-match press conference, the Bianconeri coach shared his thoughts on the challenge ahead, his philosophy of play, and his views on the group.
Facing Borussia Dortmund
“A very strong team, not only at the German level but also in Europe,” Tudor said. “That match in pre-season was just a friendly, nothing more. Now it’s a completely different game, a serious one. It’s wonderful, our first Champions League game at home is of the highest level and we can’t wait to start.”
Yildiz-Del Piero comparisons
Commenting on recurring parallels between young Kenan Yildiz and Alessandro Del Piero, the coach replied sharply:
“Comparisons come from outside, not from within. It’s not like when he brushes his teeth, he thinks about Del Piero. He plays football and you make these comparisons. We must let the boy live his life and grow without being talked about every day. He is doing well. As for whether he will start, we’ll see.”
Group mentality and ambition
“I never think about how far we can go,” Tudor explained. “We must play a great game against Borussia Dortmund. We must go strong and see where we can hurt them. This is a competition with high-level teams and difficult games.”
On the squad dynamic: “Words don’t matter because Locatelli has already said them next to me,” he joked. “When you win, everything is easier. There is a good rapport, but I have to make decisions and sometimes they won’t please everyone. The job of a coach is difficult, but I am lucky to have good lads who want to work. This club has always been a hard-working, focused, serious team.”
Inter stronger than Napoli
Reflecting on the recent win in Serie A, Tudor added:
“We played against the strongest team in Italy in terms of squad depth. In my opinion, they are even ahead of Napoli. We won without being at our best, and that’s a very positive thing. We were missing important players, had problems with those away on international duty, and despite not being at full strength, we still won. That’s my observation.”
First time in Champions League as coach
“There’s nothing personal, it’s the start of a new competition that all players love,” Tudor said. “It’s a different tournament, and if you progress, it becomes even more unique. It’s wonderful and fascinating. You prepare for it like any other game. Based on my experience, when the Champions League begins, players forget about fatigue – the goal for everyone is to play in this competition, it’s a privilege.”
Squad selection and rotations
On team choices, Tudor admitted:
“I don’t know yet, we haven’t trained. I need to talk to the players, evaluate, and decide, maybe even tomorrow morning. In European competitions, games are different because teams come from leagues less tactical than Serie A. It’s a different kind of football, so I can’t yet say who plays and who doesn’t. With squad rotations, you can’t plan too far ahead. You must think only about the next game, look at individual form, and decide based on characteristics.”
Football philosophy
Reflecting on his own principles, Tudor explained:
“When I was coaching Verona, I said I preferred 4-3 to 1-0. That was three years ago. My philosophy is clear: the first goal is to win. If we can score more goals, then we do it. I like offensive football and attacking, but it depends on the players’ characteristics. The main aim is to win – then yes, I am all for goals.”
Impact from the bench
“I really like goals from the bench, it’s a sign of a united group and that’s not easy to achieve,” he underlined. “We’ve talked about it in the dressing room. Football has changed – substitutes don’t really exist anymore. You don’t just ‘guess’ the changes; they are prepared in advance. You think about these things an hour before, it’s all part of the plan.”
Cambiaso and others
On Andrea Cambiaso, Tudor was optimistic:
“He’s fine, he has trained and can’t wait to start. He is an important player who raises the level, just like Conceição. We missed them, and they can make a difference for us.”
