Cristiano Giuntoli during Igor Tudor’s introductory press conference at Juventus (picture: www.juventus.com/it)
Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli urged the Bianconeri to take ‘one final step’ toward Champions League qualification, a target that could be key to unlocking the club’s development in the near future.
The Old Lady can secure a place in Europe’s top competition next season with a win over Venezia in the final round of Serie A, a goal that had appeared at risk during Thiago Motta’s turbulent spell in charge.
After a bright start, the Italo-Brazilian coach struggled to maintain consistency over the course of the campaign, ultimately prompting the club to appoint Igor Tudor for the season’s final stretch.
While Giuntoli expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent 2-0 victory over Udinese, he stressed the importance of finishing the job on the final matchday.
“We’re happy, but now it’s time to focus on the next one,” Giuntoli told reporters during the Premio Telenord-Gianni Di Marzio award ceremony, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“There’s a real hunger to reach the Champions League and to have a great season next year.
“It’s important to take the final step towards our goal. We’ve changed a lot, rejuvenated the squad, but we want to reach the Champions League and then, with a few additions, make that leap forward.”
The Bianconeri sporting director added that he was surprised by a specific trait of Tudor’s personality.
“He’s had a great impact,” Giuntoli noted.
“I expected a strict sergeant, but instead, he’s very attentive to the psychological side of things.”
Teun Koopmeiners’ performances came under heavy criticism this season, particularly in light of the hefty fee Juventus paid to sign him from Atalanta, but Giuntoli remains confident in the midfielder’s potential.
“He missed a lot of games,” he said.
“For me, he’s a fantastic player. He still needs to prove his worth, but I’m sure he will.”
