During his first press conference at Juventus, Cristiano Giuntoli suggested that Paul Pogba will remain at the Allianz Stadium and praised Massimiliano Allegri: ‘He’s the most talented.’
Giuntoli met reporters in Turin in his first press conference as Juventus’ new sporting director on Tuesday.
He first spoke about the futures of Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic and the reported interest in Romelu Lukaku but touched on more issues during his first meeting with the media.
“I’ve been put in a system with great directors who were already changing Juventus’ path before I arrived. I think I can become an added value. I’ll need time, my arrival is not an event, but part of a journey,” he said.
Giuntoli revealed that Juventus will not sign new players in the short term as their priority is to sell some of those they already have in the team.
“I repeat, we are convinced of having a competitive team with competitive strikers. The market has just started. Giovanni [Manna] and I are collecting information. Right now there won’t be new signings, we are working on sales. We don’t even know how many competitions we’ll play next season.”
Leonardo Bonucci has been put on the market and Giuntoli revealed that the club won’t be looking for new central defenders during the summer transfer window.
“We have many players in defence. Alex Sandro, Rugani, Gatti, Bremer, Danilo, De Winter. We think we are ok like this. Actually, maybe someone else will have to leave,” he revealed.
Pogba has reportedly received a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia, but Giuntoli didn’t seem willing to part ways with the Frenchman.
“His situation is clear, the guy is returning from a difficult season and we are waiting for him. He is fundamental for us, he has experience and quality and we rely on him to mentor the many lads we have.”
Have Juventus owners set a minimum target for this season?
“I think we can’t have minimum targets, we must give our best every day. I try to help everyone and Juventus achieve the maximum,” said Giuntoli.
“It will take time to start a virtuous path. Perhaps, sustainability could be an obstacle at the beginning, but in the long run, it will be an advantage.
“It will take time, but I’ve found high-level people who have done an incredible job,” he continued.
“We need time, I understand the Juventus world wants all and now, but we need time to rationalise the team, help the coach and the staff. I believe we can obtain great results.”
Giuntoli confirmed that he would sit on the bench during Juventus matches, as he used to do at Napoli.
“I like to stay close to the guys and notice details, I think I don’t disturb anyone. I stay there to observe,” he said.
Has Allegri made requests regarding new signings?
“Honestly, I speak with the coach every day. He is happy with the team and believes we must continue developing young players from the NextGen squad. He believes this team has great room for improvement. We speak every day and every decision we take is shared by everyone.
“Last year was extraordinarily difficult, but with a coach of his level, Juventus had an important season. I think Massimiliano can bring this project forward with quality. We believe that in order to obtain results quality, mentality and discipline are needed and for us, he is the most talented.”