Former Juventus player Massimo Mauro emphasizes the team`s need for significant reinforcements in both attack and midfield. Despite this, he expresses full confidence in coach Igor Tudor, asserting that Tudor has made no mistakes and is capable of resolving the team`s challenges.
According to Massimo Mauro, who accumulated 150 appearances and won two titles with Juventus, the team finds itself in the same state as a month ago. However, it benefits from a coach, Igor Tudor, who has acted impeccably thus far. Mauro believes Tudor is the crucial factor in overcoming the current difficulties. In a challenging transfer market, where both acquiring and selling players prove arduous, the former midfielder commends the Croatian coach for treating all players equitably, highlighting that he cannot do more than he is already. Mauro anticipates a Juventus that will be formidable to beat, embodying its inherent pride and enthusiasm—qualities deeply embedded in its DNA. He asserts that these attributes will ensure a successful season once the squad reaches its full potential.
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With less than 48 hours until the league debut, Juventus has only added Jonathan David and Joao Mario to the squad. Is this sufficient?
“To genuinely compete for the Scudetto against Inter and Napoli, no. But for a top 4-6 finish, yes, it’s enough. On paper, for a few years now, Napoli and Inter consistently appear to be stronger than the rest.”
Where does the team most urgently require reinforcements to bridge the gap with its main rivals?
“In midfield, strong substitutes are needed to match the quality of the starters. Nevertheless, I have immense faith in the stability that Tudor`s tactical system can provide to a group with these specific characteristics. Juventus possesses the potential to become a `thorn in the side` for the two primary title contenders, emerging as a surprise force, much like Atalanta has done in recent seasons. If the goals start flowing from David and his designated replacement… Speaking of which, Dusan Vlahovic can fulfill that replacement role, and Tudor’s current approach is enabling him to play effectively. This addresses the mistake made last year: having contracted players and treating them as liabilities.”
How should Dusan Vlahovic be managed given his current situation?
“Precisely as Tudor has managed him so far: as long as he is available, Vlahovic is among the best, and he competes for his starting spot just like every other player. Any player, regardless of whether their contract is expiring or long-term, steps onto the field to give their utmost; his future will be determined by the goals he scores this year. If Tudor needs a striker for the final 20 minutes, he will field Vlahovic, even if his contract is nearing its conclusion.”
Massimo Mauro (right) with Antonio Cabrini in the 1988 Juventus team.
What are the primary challenges facing Tudor at the outset of this season?
“The squad is of excellent quality, but it lacks a world-class player in attack and another in midfield. We will see if Bremer and Gatti can maintain their defensive solidity – I believe they can. I would dearly love for Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram to evolve into world-class talents, as they certainly possess the attributes. Kenan needs to become more thoughtful and play with greater refinement. The game should revolve around him, not just within the final 16 meters. He needs to slow down slightly, think more strategically, and establish himself as a pivotal reference point for his teammates. Similarly, Thuram has the physical stature of a truly great midfielder; he too must become a key reference. If I were Tudor, I would employ every possible `stratagem` to help them flourish, perhaps even focusing on their psychological development through personal connections, like a heart-to-heart chat the night before a match. This could be incredibly valuable work from a human perspective.”
Is Randal Kolo Muani truly worth such a prolonged and costly pursuit?
“I find myself admiring Atalanta, who brought in Krstovic: he possesses an insatiable hunger to become truly great. He has that `fierceness` and `footballing ignorance` typical of a pure striker, by which I mean he simply shoots and scores without overthinking. In my opinion, Kolo Muani doesn`t appear to be superior to Vlahovic, but certain situations must be experienced firsthand to be fully understood.”
Without the Frenchman, Jonathan David will start on Sunday. What are your impressions of him after a month at Juve?
“I am eager to see him play more. If he is to be Juventus`s primary striker, he must undeniably be strong. The overhead kick goal was a brilliant opportunity he created for himself, but I truly want to observe him more extensively.”
The acrobatics with which Jonathan David scored the opening goal in the friendly against Atalanta.
Do you approve of Teun Koopmeiners playing a deeper role in midfield?
“The player we witnessed at Bergamo was a truly versatile midfielder, so a change in position does not strike me as problematic. Last year, he was arguably the one who suffered most from the constant tactical and technical turbulence between the coach and the club. He possesses class, a powerful shot, and impressive stamina: I would deploy him anywhere in the midfield. With Thuram, Locatelli, and Yildiz, that midfield becomes genuinely high-caliber.”
To conclude, what name would you suggest to Juventus for a signing?
“I was watching Catanzaro-Spezia, and Pio Esposito scored a goal that nearly ripped the net. There was a time when even major clubs would take calculated risks on young talents. I know it`s challenging, but occasionally, one must dare, especially given the current difficulties in the transfer market. Indeed, Juventus is precisely missing a player with his qualities.”
