Evelina Christillin, a member of UEFA’s executive committee and an ardent Juventus supporter, has shared her thoughts on the club’s recent resurgence and future prospects. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport from the UEFA headquarters in Monaco, Christillin expressed her joy at seeing Juventus back in the spotlight after a challenging period.
“I’m happy to see my Juventus back at the center of the attention it deserves. The last few years have been really difficult,” Christillin stated. She noted the club’s return to the Champions League and their impressive performances in the domestic league, describing it as “a perfect script.”
Christillin sees this as a rebirth for Juventus, praising their recent performances under new manager Thiago Motta. “It’s a renaissance. The matches against Como and Verona showed a brilliant, entertaining team. Many young players. An expensive but necessary transfer campaign,” she explained.
When questioned about the size of the squad, Christillin defended the club’s approach: “No, it’s not too large. All the players will be necessary: the league, the long Champions League campaign, the Coppa Italia which we never underestimate, and the Club World Cup.”
Regarding the club’s finances, Christillin expressed confidence in the management: “Ferrero and Scanavino know how to balance the books, that’s why they’re here. The club and Giuntoli are well aware of the breaking point. Juventus has sold a lot, realizing very rich capital gains.”
Christillin also shared her excitement about the team’s new playing style: “We’ve rediscovered the ability to ‘feel happy’. It’s not just pride, it’s the enthusiasm that’s been missing for too long.”
She praised new manager Thiago Motta and highlighted the performances of players like Vlahovic, Locatelli, and particularly young talent Yildiz: “Yildiz, the number 10 suits him well.”
Looking ahead to European competition, Christillin tempered expectations while remaining optimistic: “Reaching the top eight is difficult. We can compete in the playoffs, which would be a great result. We have the mentality, we play attacking football, without tactical games.”
Finally, she expressed her approval of the new Champions League format: “It’s very entertaining, everyone against everyone, nothing like the Super League. A tournament that surprises, starting with the presentation video featuring Ibra, Buffon, Del Piero, Figo, and even the ‘frosty’ Ceferin who put himself out there, making fun of himself. Today, the relationship between him and Juventus is excellent again.”
