Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary goalkeeper for Juventus and the Italian national team, now serving as the head of delegation for the Azzurri, recently shared his thoughts on Juventus under Thiago Motta and Antonio Conte’s Napoli. Speaking to “La Domenica Sportiva,” Buffon offered insights into the challenges facing his former club and his reaction to Conte’s recent statements.
On Juventus and Thiago Motta
Buffon acknowledged the difficulties in balancing results and playing style, especially with a packed schedule. “Certainly, combining results and play is complicated when you’re playing every three days and have little time to work during the week,” he said. He also pointed out the pressure on Juventus, stating, “When you represent a world like Juventus, unlike Newton who needed 12 years, it’s already been four years without winning the Scudetto. People demand and pressure for victory as soon as possible, making it really hard to work serenely.”
Despite these challenges, Buffon expressed confidence in Thiago Motta and the team. “I have faith in them because now, with all elements in place, they are competitive,” he said. However, he cautioned that success is not guaranteed, adding, “It won’t be easy, and it’s not a given to finish in the top four or five positions. I include the fifth because there are teams behind that I think can climb up. So, maintaining a Champions League spot would be a central objective.”
Buffon believes Juventus can evolve its playing style under Motta, drawing parallels to his experience with Conte. “Juventus is not a separate entity, and I believe it can have the desire to play exciting football, just like any other team,” he explained. “In Conte’s first year, I was the first goalkeeper in Italy to play with my feet because he never wanted the ball thrown away. We were the first team to propose that type of build-up from the back because these requests didn’t exist before. He proposed something new, not tied to tradition, and he succeeded quite well. So I believe it can be done now with Thiago Motta as well.”
On Antonio Conte
Buffon offered a unique perspective on his former teammate and coach, Antonio Conte, now at Napoli. “For me, it’s impossible for him to enjoy the journey. He has the goal in mind and lives it with the pains of hell,” Buffon remarked.
Regarding Conte’s recent comments about the transfer market, Buffon expressed surprise. “At a time when the press was pressuring him because Kvaratskhelia wasn’t replaced with someone of his caliber, he invited everyone to appreciate everything his team has done so far and to enjoy the journey. At that point, I laughed… I put my hands on my face… I couldn’t believe he was saying those things. Is it really him? I asked myself.”
