Former Juventus striker David Trezeguet says the club is his ‘home’ and if they need him, he wouldn’t hesitate to return. The Frenchman spent a decade with the Bianconeri before returning to the club as a brand ambassador. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Trezeguet discussed Frances’ impressive run in the World Cup and also the recent troubles at Juventus and the role he could play in helping them:
Impressions on the situation at Juventus?
“It seems to me that this is above all a bureaucratic, administrative issue. There will be changes, but Andrea Agnelli has done an extraordinary job: the stadium, the sports center, the second team… He was an example. Now John Elkann will have to understand how to handle the situation and we will have to give him time. “.
What mistakes led to this?
“I was struck by the many changes. From Allegri to Sarri and Pirlo, then Allegri again. A youth-based policy, then a market with experienced players. It’s difficult to win like this. “.
In 2006 you experienced a similar situation. How did it go?
“Even then it was a quick change. I decided to stay because I felt the need to stay. It was very natural, seeing the club in difficulty.”
A relationship that lasted until June 2021, with the end of the brand ambassador relationship.
“At Juve I lived ten years as a footballer and seven in the the management. I took the Sporting Director course in Spain to learn about another type of football. In 2021 I chose to close my chapter as an ambassador and to return to the sports side, there was no possibility of doing it at Juve but for me Juve is always home ”
In this year and a half, what have we missed?
“I had a project for River Plate with a candidate president with whom I would work as d.s., however, the elections did not go well. Now I work with Fifa but I feel that my ideal role is in a club, a link between the players and the managers. I like the idea of making the manager and player understand another point of view. ”
And if home, that is Juventus, call you back?
“I, for Juve, am there: if they call me back, I will come back. I strongly believe that former players should play an important role in clubs. There are other people who have to decide but I think I can be useful: I experienced Juve on the pitch and behind a desk “.
Del Piero, Chiellini, Buffon, Marchisio. Many names of former players are linked…
“They all gave Juve a lot and are suitable for different roles. Each has its own specificity.”
And among the many examples of clubs, which model?
“I would say Bayern. Clear ideas, a link with the past given by former players, a serious project.”
And at the World Cup, what is an example?
“There seems to be no single trend and I see some things I don’t understand. Australia scoring by trying to play from behind. Messi looking for ball halfway. Look at his goal against Mexico: that’s where he has to receive the ball.”
France and Brazil the favourites?
“France, beyond the immense quality, knows what it has to do on the field: this strikes me. Portugal is interesting and can win, with Leao as a weapon from the bench: it makes sense, as with Coman. Think of a full back: he is tired from 60 minutes against Dembélé and another faster player comes on the pitch.”
And Mbappé?
“Very strong and we all see it. I add a key: he learned to take breaks. Before he always started with everything, now he chooses his timing. It matters a lot. “.
Last thing: nostalgia for old number 9’s?
“A little’. Few teams have a prima punta, apart from Giroud or Morata. And then very few attackers attack the depth. They all come to play with their teammates but, put it as you wish, in the end two attackers are needed in football to finish the job “.
