Juventus boss ready for difficult night against Real Madrid – ‘Have to focus on everyone’ | OneFootball

Juventus manager Igor Tudor has urged his team to show character and respond strongly when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League. 

The Italian side suffered a disappointing 0-2 defeat to Como in Serie A last weekend, but Tudor believes the motivation of playing against Europe’s most dominant club will naturally bring out the best in his players.

“I expect a great reaction from my team. Motivation here comes easily and I think we’ll play a good game,” he said confidently at the pre-match press conference. 

Tudor knows that facing Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu requires courage and precision – qualities Los Blancos have mastered over the years.

Acknowledging Real Madrid’s unmatched quality

The Juventus coach admitted that Real Madrid remain the benchmark for any team in Europe, highlighting their ability to change a game in an instant. 

“All teams have strengths and weaknesses. They are a team of great players who can score a goal out of nowhere. 

“I want my team to put in a great performance. We can’t come to the Bernabeu and speculate,” he analysed.

Under Xabi Alonso, the Spanish giants have repeatedly shown how even when under pressure, they can produce moments of brilliance to decide games – a challenge Juventus are well aware of.

Villarreal are struggling for results. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

When asked about Kylian Mbappe, who continues to lead Madrid’s attack with remarkable consistency, Tudor admitted that it is impossible to focus only on one player. 

“We have to focus on everyone, not just Mbappe, knowing that he is a key player for Real Madrid,” he said.

Respect for Madrid amid fixture frustration

Despite his praise for Madrid, Tudor did not hold back from criticising the demanding match schedule that affects all European teams. 

“The games are what they are. This schedule is crazy. I don’t know who organises this Champions League schedule,” he complained.

Lastly, he also provided an update on Juan David Cabal, who has been sidelined since October 1 after sustaining an injury against Villarreal. 

“He is recovering. It’s a shame he got injured. He is a very important player, both as a player and as a person. 

“This weekend he will start running and we hope he can return to play in two weeks,” he explained.

Source: Mundo Deportivo