Juventus manager Igor Tudor anticipates a ‘high-level’ Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund, emphasizing the need for focus and acknowledging Dortmund’s strength. He highlights the team’s strong Serie A start and the privilege of competing in the tournament.
Juventus manager Igor Tudor is bracing for a formidable challenge as his team prepares to face Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League opener on Tuesday. Tudor, who took the reins at Juventus in March, is keenly aware of the quality Dortmund possesses, both domestically and on the European stage.
Last season saw Juventus reach the Champions League knockout-stage play-offs under Thiago Motta, but their campaign ended in disappointment with a 4-3 aggregate defeat to PSV Eindhoven, preventing them from advancing to the last 16. Tudor is determined to guide Juventus further this time around, building on the momentum of a strong start to the Serie A season.
Juventus has begun the current campaign with three consecutive victories in Serie A, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience. Their most recent triumph came against arch-rivals Inter Milan in a thrilling 4-3 encounter on Saturday. A dramatic stoppage-time winner from Vasilije Adzic secured the victory, maintaining Juventus’ perfect record and signaling their intent this season.
Tudor is set to become only the fourth individual to both play for and manage Juventus in the prestigious Champions League competition. He expressed his excitement and determination to capitalize on the team’s positive results, while acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead against a well-prepared Dortmund side.
“They are a great team, not only in Germany but also on the European stage,” Tudor stated during a press conference. “This match will be played at home, and we can’t wait to start this wonderful competition. The atmosphere will be electric, and we need to harness that energy to give our fans something to cheer about.”
When questioned about Juventus’ potential in the Champions League, Tudor remained focused on the immediate challenge. “How far can we go in the Champions League? We’re definitely not thinking about that right now. We just have to focus on the next challenge, which is against a very strong opponent. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we need to take each game as it comes.”
Tudor also reflected on their recent victory over Inter, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment. “We played against the strongest team in Serie A [Inter] in terms of squad potential, and we won without playing at our best. That should make us reflect on our real value and what we could have done better. We need to be honest with ourselves and identify areas where we can improve.”
The Champions League holds a special allure for Tudor, who believes the competition transcends mere physical fatigue. “The Champions League is a different tournament, it’s beautiful and fascinating. In my experience as a coach, players forget about tiredness in the Champions League. Everyone’s goal is to play. It’s a privilege.”
Juventus will be looking to leverage their home advantage and the passionate support of their fans to overcome Dortmund in the opening match. Tudor will likely emphasize a disciplined defensive structure combined with quick transitions and attacking flair. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Juventus needing to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game.
Borussia Dortmund, known for their dynamic attacking style and youthful exuberance, will pose a significant threat. Juventus will need to be wary of their pace and creativity in the final third. A solid defensive performance and clinical finishing will be essential for Juventus to secure a positive result.
The Champions League represents a platform for Juventus to showcase their ambition and compete against the best clubs in Europe. Tudor is confident that his team has the quality and determination to make a significant impact in the competition. The match against Dortmund will be a stern test, but one that Juventus is eager to embrace.
