Igor Tudor has been appointed as the new manager of Juventus, stepping in after the club parted ways with Thiago Motta. Tudor`s debut game will be this Saturday against Genoa at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. This marks a return to Juventus for Tudor, who previously played for the club as a defender. He comes back to Serie A after a year, having last coached Lazio in the previous season, taking over from Maurizio Sarri. Despite joining Lazio mid-season, Tudor and the club decided to split at the end of the season. Juventus`s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, brought in Tudor with the aim of securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. His contract is set to run until the end of the current season, which includes managing the team in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States.
Tudor was introduced at a press conference on Thursday, expressing his strong connection to Juventus. He mentioned his early start in coaching due to injuries in his playing career and his international experience. He described himself as someone who makes decisions based on conviction, emphasizing his commitment to the present and the immediate task at hand, regardless of contract length.
He stated that focusing on the present is crucial in football management. While acknowledging the desire for long-term security, he stressed the importance of daily work and preparation, particularly for the upcoming match on Saturday.
Tudor`s Juventus Legacy as a Player
Igor Tudor has a significant history with Juventus as a player. He played 174 matches for the club, scoring 21 goals as a defender. During his time as a player, he contributed to Juventus winning two Serie A titles (2001-02, 2002-03), two Italian Supercups (2002, 2003), and the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999. He was also part of the Juventus team that won the Serie B title after their relegation in 2006, although he was injured that season. Despite his injury during the 2006-07 season, he remained with the club, agreeing to a salary reduction. After nearly a decade with Juventus as a player, Tudor left in 2007. He later returned as an assistant coach under Andrea Pirlo in the 2020-21 season, where they won the Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercoppa.
Managerial Career Highlights
Tudor`s early entry into coaching was driven by injuries that led to his retirement at age 30, following a final season at Hajduk Split. He began coaching Hajduk Split`s youth teams before managing the first team, winning the Croatian Cup in 2013. His managerial path includes roles at Karabükspor, PAOK, Galatasaray, Udinese, and a second stint at Hajduk Split, before becoming assistant manager at Juventus. He then managed Hellas Verona for a year, followed by Olympique Marseille and, most recently, Lazio, where he succeeded Maurizio Sarri.
Playing Style and Tactical Approach
Throughout his managerial career, Tudor has consistently implemented an aggressive, high-pressing style of football. His teams are known for their intense and disciplined approach in both attack and defense. He typically employs a three-man defense, favoring formations like 3-4-1-2 or occasionally 3-5-2. His tactical preference leans towards direct transitions and quick attacks rather than slow, possession-based play. Tudor has expressed a preference for attacking football, stating a desire for high-scoring victories over narrow wins.
Recent Updates
- Juventus have dismissed Thiago Motta and announced Igor Tudor as the new coach until the end of the season.
- An analysis of Juventus`s recent crisis explains the reasons behind Thiago Motta`s dismissal and the club`s future direction.
