SPORTSWORLD.AM
Juventus coach Igor Tudor has dismissed suggestions his side are showing signs of fatigue at the end of the season, insisting his players are motivated and ready to compete as they prepare for Sunday's Club World Cup clash with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca at Lincoln Financial Field. Juventus started the season with a convincing 5-0 win over Al Ain of the UAE, and a win against Wydad would ensure their progression to the next round. Such a result would set up a much-anticipated Group G clash with Manchester City on Thursday, which is likely to decide the group winner.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Tudor said he saw no signs of complacency in his team. “I don’t see any signs of fatigue in the team, on the contrary, I see a lot of enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s nice to see how they enjoy playing together. They started the last game as if it were a final. Now they have more confidence, not a little, but a lot more. They enjoy what we are building together and that is a great thing.” Tudor, who took over in March after Thiago Motta was sacked, has led a remarkable turnaround at the Turin club. Since Tudor arrived, Juventus have been outside the top four in Serie A and have been out of all cup competitions. However, under his leadership, the team has suffered just one defeat in the league, finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League.
Reflecting on his tenure so far, Tudor expressed pride in the professionalism and dedication of his players. “I have great professionals who have been available from day one to day one,” he said. “There has been a lot of work behind the scenes, but we have also gained a better understanding of the game and what I expect from them as a coach.” After a strong start to the Club World Cup, Tudor urged his team to stay focused. “Juventus must be ambitious, but we must remain humble and work hard with our heads down,” he said. “I always tell the players to focus on training and take each game as it comes. I may bore them by saying that, but that is the mindset we need.” The clash between Juventus and Wydad Casablanca will be a crucial test of their progress under Tudor as the Italian side look to maintain momentum ahead of the tournament's play-off stages.