By Michele Tossani
With the departure of Thiago Motta and the appointment of Igor Tudor at the helm of Juventus, there’s bound to be a significant shift in the dynamics of the dressing room and the values displayed on the pitch. Who benefits, who suffers, and what changes lie ahead under the new gaffer?
A mid-season managerial change always stirs the pot for players. The protocols that worked under the previous boss may no longer hold water. Likewise, the captain's armband—once tied around a particular player—might now grace someone else’s arm. Expectations will shift along with training methods and team selections. Indeed, with Igor Tudor stepping up as the new Juventus manager, these changes will begin to unfold, transforming training intensity and tactical approach.
The Upward Trend
Let’s assess in this hypothetical stock take, who should see their fortunes rise with the arrival of the former Lazio boss, and who might be in for a bumpy ride.
Rising Stars
- Kenan Yildiz: The Turkish talent was left in the lurch within Motta's rigid system, which demanded width from wingers. A move to a 3-4-2-1 setup under Tudor could see Yildiz flourishing in the role of a trequartista, his natural habitat.
- Federico Gatti: Struggling with build-up play, the central defender may find his groove in a more vertical setup. Tudor’s defensive style, inspired by the likes of Gasperini, suits a robust and athletic player like Gatti well.
- Andrea Cambiaso: One of the brighter sparks in terms of forward play in Juve’s setup, Cambiaso wasn't optimally utilised under Motta. Tudor's approach could restore his vital technical role, whether as a wing-back or in a more advanced position.
- Dusan Vlahovic: Often underwhelming in Juventus colours, Vlahovic is rated highly by Tudor. The Croatian manager's direct style may reignite the Serb's form, potentially repositioning him as a second striker.
- Manuel Locatelli & Khéphren Thuram: Expected to do more than merely defend, both midfielders are poised to relish the attacking freedom Tudor suggests, operating effectively as box-to-box players.
Heading South
Francisco Conceição: This right winger could struggle to find his niche if Tudor employs a system that doesn’t flatter his natural skills. Whether as a fifth in defence or alongside the forwards, he may find himself lost in transition.
Nicolò Savona: A tad green to take a starting role, Savona may falter in Tudor’s demanding defensive setup, hinting at a trying end to the season for the young Aosta native.
Nico Gonzalez: His fortunes hinge on his adaptability to Tudor’s demanding style. If the Argentine can meet the energy levels expected, he could shine as a secondary forward; otherwise, he risks becoming a mere bench warmer.
Holding Steady
Teun Koopmeiners: The Dutchman’s stock remains stable, as much relies on how he adapts. Whether deployed as a trequartista or, more favourably, in central midfield, the ex-Atalanta man has three months to prove his worth to the Bianconeri faithful in a longer-term project.
