Vladimir Jugovic, the former Juventus midfielder known for scoring the decisive penalty in the 1996 Champions League final against Ajax, recently shared his thoughts on the current Juventus team in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. As Juventus prepares to face Lille in the Champions League, Jugovic reflected on the team’s prospects and individual players.
“Koopmeiners will find his rhythm, but beware of Lille,” Jugovic warned. “Juventus facing a French team in the Champions League brings back memories of my goal against Nantes. Lille has defeated both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, so Juventus is forewarned. However, winning these matches, especially away, can make you more confident and stronger. Thiago Motta’s team has the quality to succeed; they’ve already shown it in Leipzig. I’m betting on Koopmeiners to break through and score his first goal for Juventus.”
When asked if he sees himself in Koopmeiners, Jugovic expressed reluctance about comparisons: “I don’t like comparisons too much. The position on the field is similar, but at his age, I had already won two Champions League titles with Red Star Belgrade and Juventus.”
Jugovic also commented on other players and the team’s dynamics: “Vlahovic has started well with eight goals, but in Juventus’ history, you make your mark with trophies. David is a fine striker; it’s no surprise he appeals to top Italian clubs or that he plays for Lille, which has been a goldmine thanks to former sporting director Campos, now at PSG. Campos was right about David too. But Lille has other talents and Genesio on the bench, who has beaten Mourinho, Ancelotti, and Simeone this year.”
He concluded with thoughts on young talent: “Yildiz has talent and should seize the opportunity; he’s in the right place at the right time with the ideal team to shine. Conceicao is a modern talent, all about dribbling and one-on-ones. Let’s say having a Portuguese player in the team brings luck; we had Paulo Sousa in Juventus 1996. Antonio Conte leading the league is a formidable opponent—he’s won a lot. I wouldn’t feel too comfortable with Conte at the helm, but I hope Juventus continues their comeback after winning in Udine and can fight for the title until the end.”
