Tudor previews Villarreal vs. Juventus: ‘It’s a platform, we are all motivated’ | OneFootball

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.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Igor Tudor, head coach of Juventus, looks on during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“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.”

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus passes the ball whilst under pressure from Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

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.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after Lloyd Kelly (not pictured) scores his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“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?

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Igor Tudor, head coach of Juventus, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“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.”