VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igor Tudor Head Coach of Juventus FC looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Igor Tudor insists he is pleased with what he has seen from his Juventus players so far this season, but insists that it is far too soon to start making Serie A or Champions League predictions as the Bianconeri prepare to take on Villarreal on Wednesday night.
Tudor sat down for his pre-match press conference on Tuesday night ahead of the Champions League league phase clash away against Villarreal.
Juventus are coming in off the back of a 4-4 thriller against Borussia Dortmund last time out in Europe. Tudor’s side have now drawn three games in a row across all competitions after their 1-1 stalemate with Atalanta in the league over the weekend.
“The team are doing very well, they put in a great performance against Atalanta three days ago, serious and balanced. Champions League tomorrow, everyone is eager and motivated to play a high-level game,” Tudor told the press on Tuesday evening.
Tudor on Yildiz, David, Vlahovic and Openda opportunities for Juventus
Despite some reports earlier this week that Kenan Yildiz could be given a rest in the Champions League, Tudor has confirmed that the Turkish talent will be involved from the start.
“Yildiz will play, there’s no tiredness there. The team ran for 122km against Atalanta, we put in a big shift.”
Bremer and Khephren Thuram had to come off during the 1-1 draw with Atalanta in Serie A over the weekend, and have not travelled with the squad for the Champions League game against Villarreal.
“They have a couple of problems which means they can’t play, but they should make it back for the game against Milan,” Tudor said.
How is Tudor managing having Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda competing for one starting position at centre-forward?
“The Champions League is a platform for all players. They want to play and they are all strong players,” Tudor replied.
“I’m happy to have all three, I always talk to them, I always have to make sure they all feel important. All three are good guys and strong players. I speak with them every day and I like their mentality. All three will give us a big hand.
“In training, we sat down for a nice chat, and I think they’re all doing well. We spoke about everything, even about potential problems. They’re all eager and focused on making a contribution, whether that be from the start or midway through.”
On Wednesday’s opponents Villarreal, Tudor said: “They’re a balanced team and they’re doing well playing at home. Like us, there are some good things and some less good things. We have to make sure our good things are brought through.”
And what does Tudor expect his team to achieve come the end of the season?
“We’ve only just started. It’s fair that some are making evaluations, but there are still 33 games left in the league. Sunday will be a good game (against Milan), but it’s the Champions League tomorrow.
“It’s too soon to say anything, I only care that the team is doing well. I always want to win, as do the guys who push and sacrifice themselves. As a coach, I stay focused on the team. Football is beautiful because it’s unpredictable, but I think the team are doing well at the moment.”
