Fabio Capello says Max Allegri needs to be ready to watch out for Igor Tudor, ahead of Juve’s matches against Lazio. The Bianconeri are set to face the Biancocelesti in the league, and immediately after in the Coppa Italia semi-finals. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello explained why Juve need to be wary of the Croatian coach, and touched on his time with Tudor while coaching the Old Lady:
“I must tell the truth, with me he didn’t see much of the field. However, he always behaved with great correctness. And as a coach, I appreciated his initial statements at Lazio: he seems to have clear ideas.”
Could he count on immediate support from the players, if it’s true that a faction contributed to Sarri’s departure, as stated by President Lotito?
“Managers and presidents always tend to defend the coach in difficult times. But if there’s a feeling that the players on the field aren’t giving 100%, it’s inevitable that a separation will occur later on. The Lazio of the current season gave me the impression of no longer being Sarri’s team from the previous year, where everyone ran that extra meter to help their teammate. Something must have broken.”
Did the sale of Milinkovic also weigh on them?
“Well, surely. Players matter, despite what is said. The other day I saw a fantastic action by Brazil against England: exceptional control and through ball by Paqueta to Vinicius, who almost scored. You can talk about tactics and theories all you want…”
Tudor, however, also spoke about formations in his presentation.
“I heard he would like to switch from a back four to a back three. It’s something that takes time, which is why Tudor himself then added that the immediate goal is to get results, and then the rest will come.”
He’ll have to try it against “his” Juve, not exactly the easiest debut he could have had.
“It will be a difficult and important match for both coaches. Tudor needs to start well, but Massimiliano Allegri needs to earn points, otherwise he risks missing out on Champions League qualification. They’re chasing behind. And if Juventus were to continue not getting results, the descent would continue. Slowing down while descending, I guarantee you, is complicated.”
Which Lazio players do you expect more from after the switch from Sarri to Tudor?
“From those who, in my opinion, have performed below their value this year. I think especially of Luis Alberto and Zaccagni.”
Allegri, on the other hand, will be without the suspended Vlahovic.
“A heavy absence, adding to that of Milik. Max will have only Kean as a center-forward at the Olimpico, who hasn’t played a full game in months and months. But it’s the way Vlahovic got himself sent off against Genoa that leaves me doubting: why that nervousness?”
Juve certainly isn’t coming off a positive period. Can the international break be of help in this sense?
“Some players may have benefited from disconnecting for two weeks from problems at their clubs, yes. And maybe now they can’t wait to get back home to start again. Although internationals, especially for injuries, are always a danger.”
Without Vlahovic, is it up to Chiesa to carry the Bianconeri attack?
“I’m not seeing a bad Chiesa. He’s very active, he works hard, maybe he’s just a bit hasty in his choices, but precisely because he wants to make a mark. I know he’s criticized, but I don’t agree.”
After the league match, there’s Juve-Lazio again in the Coppa Italia. For whom would it be more important to reach the final?
“Premise: neither of the two will be thinking about the cup on Saturday, unless Lazio already considers the Champions League chase over. But I won a championship by recovering 9 points against Barcelona, so I wouldn’t agree. Anyway, for Tudor, reaching a final right away would be a nice way to present himself, while for Allegri the Coppa Italia is the only way not to end up with zero trophies in three years. And Max has always been used to winning…”
