Former Juventus player Kwadwo Asamoah would not be surprised if Antonio Conte returns to Juventus: ‘Anything can happen…’
The ex-Ghana international spent six years at Juventus, one under the Italian tactician. Conte’s contract with Tottenham runs out in the summer and La Gazzetta reported on Friday that he is the leading candidate to replace Max Allegri if the Tuscan completes another trophyless season at the Allianz Stadium.
Would Asamoah be surprised if Conte returns?
“No, because I’ve understood that anything can happen in football,” he told Gazzetta.
“Conte is a world-class coach and already did a great job in the past, which continued with Allegri, another excellent coach.”
What does he remember about his spell with Conte?
“The first memory is from the end of 2013-14. We had won the title, but Conte didn’t want to relax,” the ex-defender said.
“He wanted us to be 100% focused because he wanted to reach the record for points in Serie A, 102. We made it in the end, and we were all so satisfied. He always wants the best from everyone and he does the same. He cares about details so much, you can get a pass wrong, but not the position.”
Juventus have been eliminated in the Champions League group phase for the first time since 2013-14, when Asamoah was part of the team. They are also ten points behind table leaders Napoli in Serie A, what’s the Bianconeri’s problem this season?
“I haven’t seen all Juventus games, but in those I followed, I had the feeling that the anger and determination typical of the club, which I learned from Conte are not always there.
“They lack continuity, one of the crucial qualities when you wear the black and white shirt.
“There are no normal games when you play for Juventus, every match is crucial and those against small-medium clubs are must-win. It’s about mentality.
“In my time, Conte, Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, Marchisio and Bonucci were decisive in conveying the winning mentality. Now only Bonucci is left and he is a little bit alone. It’s a pity not to see the Juventus we were accustomed to.”
Today, the Bianconeri visit Lecce and will be looking for their third consecutive victory in Serie A. They will be without ten players, including Dusan Vlahovic, Paul Pogba, Angel Di Maria and Manuel Locatelli.