At yesterday`s press conference introducing Damien Comolli as Juventus` new General Manager, the former Toulouse president addressed various topics, including the position of Igor Tudor. Tudor is expected to be the head coach following Thiago Motta for the 2024/25 season. Comolli explicitly stated regarding the ex-Lazio and Marseille boss: “I want to confirm that Tudor will be our coach for the next season. I have already made this clear to him, and we are working together. We are a very big club, and while there is a lot of speculation, I want to reiterate that Tudor will remain our coach.” This shows strong confidence in Tudor, who is also set to lead the team in the Club World Cup against Al Ain, Wydad Casablanca, and Manchester City, aiming to qualify from Group G.
This decision comes amidst a period of significant coaching turnover at Juventus. Following a relatively stable era from 2006-2011, the club has seen six different managers since 2019. This includes Sarri (2019/20) and Pirlo (2020/21) replacing Allegri, Allegri`s return in 2021 but his failure to complete the 2023/24 season after the Coppa Italia final incident, Montero stepping in briefly for the final two games (3-3 vs Bologna, 2-0 vs Monza), and Thiago Motta starting the 2024/25 campaign only to leave after a decisive loss in Florence. Tudor then took over, securing Champions League qualification and preventing rivals like Roma from overtaking them. While Juventus did win four trophies during this broader period, the frequent coaching changes and inconsistent results, both domestically and in Europe, have frustrated some fans. Confirming Tudor until 2026 suggests a desire for project continuity and a belief he can lead the team to significant achievements.
The key reasons for this endorsement lie in Tudor`s recent performance and impact. His record stands at eight positive results in nine matches, including five wins. Under him, the team has shown resilience, coming from behind in one game to win, and scoring in eight of the nine matches, totalling 13 goals (an average of 1.44 per game). Their home form at the Allianz Stadium is particularly strong, with four wins out of four and only one goal conceded. Beyond team results, Tudor has positively influenced individual players. Kolo Muani and Yildiz, for instance, have each scored three goals in nine appearances under him, averaging a goal every three games. The young Yildiz (born 2005) also provided two assists despite receiving a red card against Monza. Players like Conceicao (if signed), Koopmeiners, and Mbangula could potentially elevate their scoring output under his guidance. Attacking midfielders seem to thrive under the Croatian coach, as shown by past examples: Luis Alberto had 1 goal and 4 assists in 9 games at Lazio with Tudor; Caprari recorded 12 goals and 7 assists in 34 games at Verona; and Barak achieved 12 goals and 6 assists in 36 games across Verona and Udinese. Tudor has also publicly backed his main strikers, stating before the Roma match: `Vlahovic is a strong striker, as is Randal. They are two strong strikers.` Perhaps the most significant factor cited for his confirmation is his `pure Bianconero` spirit, echoing the sentiment `Juventus to the Juventini` – suggesting a deep connection to the club`s identity.