Former Juventus striker Carlos Tevez says he is inspired by Antonio Conte and dreams of one day returning to Serie A as a coach. The Argentine spent two seasons in Turin and played the 2013-14 campaign under Conte’s management, helping guide the Bianconeri to their third successive Serie A title in a row. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he explained what kind of coach he is, and the influence that Conte had on his career:
Let’s start from the end. How is the experience on the bench going, and what kind of coach are you?
“Passionate, someone who puts his soul into it every day. We play dynamic football: high pressing and great attention to the attacking phase. With my players, I’m a hammer, I’ve had great mentors…”
For example?
“I’m inspired by Conte for his passion and obsession with winning, I took attention to detail from Bielsa, and from Ferguson, I bring the great calmness in managing the group. But I’ve had many good ones, I think of Mancini and Allegri. If I have to choose one, though, I choose Antonio.”
Do you have a particular memory linked to Conte?
“One comes to mind that perfectly captures his character: we were fighting for the Scudetto with Roma, I was in Argentina for a family problem and couldn’t train. We were going to play against the Giallorossi on the weekend. First, he told me to stay calm, three days later he asked me to come back because we had to win at all costs and he wanted me on the field. For him, only victory existed.”
And what about Allegri, what memory do you have of him?
“Max is different, calmer. This doesn’t mean he’s not a winner or doesn’t have the right mentality. Just look at how he bounces back from every difficult moment. All thanks to the management and empathy he creates with the group. He’s calmer in situations, but the whole dressing room follows him.”
Does he deserve to stay?
“The team is third now, and I believe they don’t have the means to do more. We’re used to seeing Juventus win, so we’re surprised if it doesn’t happen for a few years. I follow Serie A a lot, and I think Inter are superior, and there’s a lot of distance between the two clubs. Allegri knows how to bring out the best in the team, especially in difficulties. It was the same with us at the beginning. Then it will depend on what the club is looking for.”
There will be the derby on Saturday, what comes to mind?
From this point of view, Italy is very similar to Argentina. I remember a passion for the game that started weeks before. I’ve always done well in derbies.”
Would you like to come back to Italy?
“Italy is in my heart. I would love to, maybe as a coach. Serie A is one of the best leagues in the world, and I think I have to grow to deserve it.”
In Serie A, do you see a new Tevez?
“There’s no one… (laughs). I haven’t found anyone who resembles me, not so much from a technical point of view, but from the standpoint of sacrifice and competitiveness. I put my heart on the field, gave my all. I believe this has been lost a bit now, not only in Italy but in Europe in general.”
In Serie A, who has impressed you?
“Lautaro without a doubt. He’s dominant, makes the difference. Then, if you have a striker who scores so much, you already have one hand on the Scudetto. Inter is complete, but he is an incredible added value.”
Do you have any regrets?
“The Champions League final. We were very strong. And I was convinced we could win it, even though we were facing the best Barcelona ever. Look at the midfield: Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio. They gave you the feeling that they could send you to goal at any moment.”
What do you remember about that team?
“In August, Conte left. It surprised us, and we struggled initially. But we had a dressing room of real men, like Buffon and Chiellini. And we were objectively strong, complete in every department.”
What moments come to mind?
“The ride that took us to the final. Then many things, from Conte’s training sessions to the number 10 jersey. A historic shirt. I’m glad that Pogba then got it, a friend as well as a champion.”
Have you heard from him in this difficult moment?
“No, but not because I don’t care about him. On the contrary. We are very close, and he knows he has all my support. But I believe they are personal matters, and I’m not the type to interfere. But I’m here for him and always will be.”
What about your arrival at Juventus? There was a strong courtship from Galliani, but then Marotta won out.
“I was supposed to go to Milan, but it didn’t depend on me or Galliani. There has always been esteem and great respect. Then every time I played against Milan, I did very well. Juventus moved well, a bit in secret, and managed to get me. But who knows if our paths might not cross with Milan again. Maybe as a coach…”
In closing, what are your goals for the future?
“First of all, to improve. I know this is a gym, and I have to play my cards well. I had a great career as a player, and I would like to do the same as a coach. I really like it, and I didn’t think I could get so passionate about it. I think a lot about Italy, who knows if there will be an opportunity in the future.”
