According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri coach, Igor Tudor, spoke about the intense race for the Champions League and the future of the team. He stated, “It`s a strong squad, and with 2-3 additions, it can become top level.”
Just one minute can change everything. Just moments before the final whistle, Igor Tudor and Juventus were virtually qualified for the next Champions League, having secured a difficult win, playing with ten men against eleven, just the way he prefers. However, Vecino`s late goal put everything back in doubt, delaying the decision on the crucial fourth spot. Juventus will only know tomorrow if the point earned against Lazio was a precious one or not.
Regarding tactical choices and the need for `centimeters` (referring to height and physicality), the coach explained the unusual double substitution involving Conceiçao and Adzic, who were brought on in the second half but later taken off. “I apologized to the players,” Tudor said, “I don`t usually do things like that, but it was necessary. I make decisions for the good of the team, and I needed `centimeters`, which is why I brought on Gatti and Vlahovic.”
Tudor specifically praised one player`s return: “I have to thank Federico [Gatti]. He`s coming back from a fracture and has barely trained with his teammates, but he came onto the field like a leader.”
Looking ahead, Tudor remains confident but cautious: “I am certain that points will be lost in the final matches, and we must not be the ones to drop them.”
Tudor firmly believes in achieving Champions League qualification, wanting it at all costs, and has no doubts about Juventus`s long-term potential. He reiterated, “It`s a strong squad, and with 2-3 key players, it can become a top-level team.”