Igor Tudor is set to make his debut as Juventus`s new manager this Saturday in a home game against Genoa at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. This appointment follows Juventus`s decision to part ways with Thiago Motta during the international break. Tudor, a former defender for Juventus, returns to Serie A after a year, previously managing Lazio until the end of the 2023-24 season. He initially stepped in for Maurizio Sarri at Lazio but concluded his tenure at the end of that season.
Juventus`s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, brought in the Croatian coach with the aim of securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Tudor`s contract is set to run until the end of the current season, which also includes managing the team in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States.
Tudor was officially introduced on Thursday, expressing his enthusiasm for the role in a press conference ahead of his Serie A debut. He stated, `I see myself primarily as a coach. My coaching journey began early due to injuries in my playing career. I`ve gained experience abroad over several years. I`m known for being meticulous, but my decisions are heart-led. My commitment isn`t about contracts; it`s about feeling right for the job. If it feels right, I stay; if not, I move on. This situation with Juventus feels right.`
He further added, `Our focus is the present, especially in this profession. A ten-year contract wouldn`t drastically alter my approach. While a long contract is desirable, my immediate job is what matters. We`re focused on Saturday`s match, motivating ourselves – that`s the essence of coaching. We can`t predict the future; I`m dedicated to today`s training session.`
Key Match Details
- Match: Juventus vs. Genoa
- Date: Saturday, Mar. 29
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
Tudor`s Juventus Legacy as a Player
Igor Tudor has a significant history with Juventus as a player. He played 174 matches for the club, scoring 21 goals as a defender. During his time, he contributed to winning two Serie A titles (2001-02, 2002-03), two Italian Supercups (2002, 2003), and the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999. He was also part of the Juventus squad that won the Serie B title after their relegation in 2006 due to the Calciopoli scandal. Although injury kept him off the field that season, he remained with the team under Didier Deschamps, agreeing to a salary reduction. After nearly a decade with Juventus, Tudor departed in 2007, later returning as assistant manager to Andrea Pirlo in the 2020-21 season, where they secured the Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercoppa.
Managerial Career Highlights
As Tudor mentioned, injuries prompted his early transition to coaching, retiring at 30 after a final season at Hajduk Split. He started coaching Hajduk`s youth teams before leading the first team and winning the Croatian Cup in 2013. His managerial path then included roles at Karabükspor, PAOK, Galatasaray, Udinese, and another stint at Hajduk before becoming Juventus`s assistant coach. He then managed Hellas Verona for a year, followed by Olympique Marseille, and most recently, Lazio, where he succeeded Maurizio Sarri towards the end of the 2023-24 season.
Playing Style and Tactics
Throughout his managerial career, Tudor has consistently implemented an aggressive, high-pressing style of football. His approach is characterized by intensity and discipline in both attack and defense. He typically employs a three-man defense, favoring formations like 3-4-1-2 or occasionally 3-5-2. His teams are known for prioritizing direct transitions over a slow, possession-based game. Tudor emphasizes attacking football, as he once stated at Lazio, `I prefer to win, and for me, 4-3 is better than 1-0.`
Recent Developments
- Juventus have appointed Igor Tudor as their new coach, replacing Thiago Motta until the season`s end.
- The decision to replace Thiago Motta comes amid a period of crisis at Juventus, prompting significant changes at the club.
Dominic Ashworth