Former Juventus forward Darko Kovačević believes ex-teammate Zinedine Zidane will one day coach the Bianconeri. Speaking with Tuttosport, Kovačević discussed the long-standing rumours that have linked the ex-Real coach with a move to Turin:
“I played with both Juventus and Lazio, but my heart is Juventino. The two years in black and white were truly special; I still cherish many fond memories. I hope Juventus can win on Saturday and secure a spot in the Champions League.”
“Juventus is beloved all over the world; when you’re part of it, you understand its importance. Those were beautiful years during which I played with the best player in the world: Zidane. There were also many champions like Del Piero, Davids, Trezeguet, and Tacchinardi. Great men as well as fantastic players.”
What has remained with you from the Bianconeri world?
“The fact that in every match, when you’re at Juventus, you have to play to win. That’s the only thing that matters. Personally, scoring a brace against Inter at San Siro was a beautiful moment.”
Speaking of goalscorers: is Juventus’ attack in good hands with Vlahovic?
“Dusan is becoming a champion. I know he feels good and is very happy at Juventus. He’s proving to be a top player and has a bright future ahead. Juventus is the perfect club to grow and become one of the best strikers in the world: 15 goals is an important haul, but he can do even better in the coming years. It’s a shame he won’t be there on Saturday; his absence weighs.”
Meanwhile, Kostic is having a mixed season
“These are periods that can happen in a career, but Filip is indisputable. His crosses are ideal for a strong header. I would have liked to have had a player like him…”
In defence, Juventus are following another compatriot, Pavlovic from Salzburg: is he ready for a top club?
“He would be perfect, and I’m not saying that because he’s Serbian. Pavlovic is incredibly strong in marking and can easily start for a top team. He’s left-footed and would fit perfectly into Juventus’ defensive system. With Bremer, he would form a very strong pair.”
What about Samardzic?
“Lazar is a talent, although he needs space and continuity. In the Serbian national team, he’s behind Tadic, who is 36 years old. His time will come. Juventus? I could see him doing well in Turin.”
Lazio, without Milinkovic Savic, have collapsed.
“He was crucial for them. They lost a lot without him. Sergej is a champion, who scores 10 goals and provides 10 assists per season. It’s difficult to find another like him.”
Your friend and former teammate Tudor has just taken over as Lazio’s coach. How do you see him?
“Igor is perfect for Lazio. His arrival can shake things up and make Juventus’ life difficult. Tudor is very good, as he has shown at Verona and Marseille: he plays beautiful football, solid and aggressive, just like he was on the field, and he was also very tactically intelligent.”
Staying on the topic of coaches: your Juventus was an incredible breeding ground for coaches…
“It was a team full of people with great personalities. I wasn’t surprised to see Conte, Montero, Inzaghi, and Tudor embark on coaching careers.”
And Zidane?
“He inherited from Ancelotti the calmness of managing a dressing room of great champions. Zizou feels love for Juventus and has never hidden it. One day he will become the coach of Juventus: I’m sure of it. But when, that’s the question…”
