As the Serie A season looms large, the perennial question marks surrounding Juventus resurface. This summer, however, the Bianconeri`s narrative is particularly intriguing, characterized by a sluggish transfer market and an almost paradoxical blend of cautious optimism and stark critique. Stepping into this arena of anticipation and apprehension is former Juventus midfielder, Massimo Mauro, whose recent assessment cuts through the usual pre-season platitudes with a refreshing, albeit somewhat unsettling, frankness.
The Unfulfilled Promise: An “Incomplete” Squad
Mauro doesn`t mince words. His core thesis is unambiguous: Juventus, as it stands, remains an “incomplete” squad. Not just lacking depth, but specifically missing two undeniable champions – a `fuoriclasse` in both attack and midfield. “Juventus is at the same point as a month ago,” he observed, implying a stagnation that belies the urgency of a new campaign. This sentiment paints a picture of a team perhaps not entirely ready to challenge for the Scudetto, at least not against the perceived might of rivals like Inter and Napoli.
The transfer market, described by Mauro as having “so many difficulties in buying and selling,” has left Juventus with only two notable additions: David and Joao Mario. While new faces are always welcome, Mauro bluntly states that these acquisitions are “too little” for a direct fight against the league`s top contenders. For the coveted top 4-6 spots? Perhaps sufficient, but Juventus, by its very DNA, aims higher.
Tudor`s Unblemished Record: A Beacon of Stability
Despite the squad`s perceived shortcomings, Mauro reserves his highest praise for coach Igor Tudor. In a striking vote of confidence, he declared that Tudor “hasn`t made a single mistake” since his arrival, positing him as the man to “solve the team`s problems.” This isn`t mere lip service; Mauro believes Tudor’s strength lies in his consistent, equitable treatment of all players, maximizing what`s available to him. This approach, he argues, will imbue the team with the “pride and enthusiasm” that are part of Juventus`s historic identity, making them a “difficult Juve to beat.”
“Juventus is at the same point as a month ago, but has a coach who hasn`t made a single mistake. He`s there to solve the team`s problems.”
Mauro sees the team`s current state, under Tudor`s guidance, as one that can become a “spoiler” – much like Atalanta in recent years – disrupting the established hierarchy. A team that, when “complete,” will undoubtedly deliver a “good championship.”
Midfield Mastery and Striker Sentiments
Where precisely does Mauro see the most pressing need for reinforcement? “In midfield, strong substitutes are needed, akin to the starters.” The engine room of any successful team, he argues, needs consistent quality throughout. However, he quickly pivots back to Tudor, expressing deep trust in the “stability that Tudor`s play can give to a group with these characteristics.”
The striker situation, particularly regarding Dusan Vlahovic, is another delicate point. Mauro commends Tudor`s handling of the Serbian forward, a marked improvement from the previous season`s missteps. “This is what was wrong last year: having contracted players and treating them as if they were problems,” Mauro noted, perhaps with a touch of polite irony directed at past management. Tudor`s strategy is simple: as long as Vlahovic is at the club, he`s the “best of all,” playing for his spot, and his future will be determined by his goals this season. A pragmatic, performance-driven approach.
As for the new arrival, Jonathan David, Mauro is keen to see more. While acknowledging the impressive overhead kick against Atalanta, he demands greater consistency: “If he`s Juventus`s center-forward, he must be strong.” This highlights the significant expectation placed on any player donning the Juventus number nine shirt.
Nurturing the Next Generation: Yildiz and Thuram
Beyond immediate reinforcements, Mauro turns his gaze to the promising young talents within the squad: Kenan Yildiz and Khéphren Thuram. He sees immense potential but stresses the need for careful development, particularly on the psychological front. “I would like Yildiz and Thuram to become that (champions), they have the characteristics,” he stated, adding that Yildiz “needs to become more reflective and play with more class… to slow down a bit, think more, and become a reference point for his teammates.” Similarly, Thuram, with his “stature of a great midfielder,” also needs to be guided to become a leader on the pitch.
Mauro encourages Tudor to find “subterfuges” – perhaps even through “a `night before the match` relationship, a chat” – to help these talents blossom. This human-centric approach underscores the nuanced role of a modern coach, extending beyond tactics to player welfare and mental fortitude.
The Road Less Travelled: A Call for Audacity
In a market often dominated by exorbitant fees for established stars, Mauro champions a different philosophy. He expresses admiration for clubs like Atalanta, who snapped up a player like Krstovic – someone with the “hunger to become very strong, the ruthlessness and `footballing ignorance` of a center-forward, understood as shooting at goal and scoring without looking at anyone.” He even suggests that Kolo Muani, a name frequently linked with top clubs, “doesn`t seem better than Vlahovic” to him.
Perhaps his most intriguing suggestion, however, comes in the form of Pio Esposito, a young player Mauro recently observed in a Catanzaro-Spezia match. “Once upon a time, even big teams took risks on a young player,” he mused, lamenting the current market`s aversion to such gambles. “I know it`s difficult, but a risk must be taken sometimes given the market difficulties. Here, Juventus really lacks someone like him.” It`s a nostalgic, yet potent, call for courage and foresight in an era often criticized for its conservative transfer strategies.
A Season of Nuance and Potential
Mauro`s analysis paints a nuanced picture of Juventus. While acknowledging the squad`s inherent quality, he highlights critical gaps and the challenges posed by a difficult transfer window. Yet, his faith in Igor Tudor remains unwavering, seeing the Croatian coach as the linchpin that will hold this potentially paradoxical season together. The path ahead for Juventus might not be straightforward, but with Tudor`s steady hand and the blossoming of young talents, the Bianconeri could very well defy expectations and become the “spoiler” of Serie A, perhaps even without the two “champions” Mauro believes are missing. The drama, it seems, is just beginning.