Torino coach Ivan Juric did not hold back his anger at the club after a pre-season friendly with Modena. ‘The team is inferior to last season and West Ham are asking too much for Nikola Vlasic.’
The Granata picked up a 2-1 victory today, but Juric was far from satisfied with the performance of his directors more than the players at his disposal.
“As things stand at this moment, the team is inferior to last season,” said the coach during a press conference.
“We lost five players this summer and only brought in two. We need another three of a high level, because Vlasic, Aleksei Miranchuk and Valentino Lazaro were of a high level. I know it’s not August yet and I have no doubts we will manage to complete the squad.”
The biggest concern right now is Vlasic, who has made it abundantly clear he wants to make the loan move permanent from West Ham United, but the clubs are unable to agree on a transfer fee.
“Our desire is to get him, he wants to come back and can do better than last season. The problem is economic, because we cannot afford him at this moment. We hope to reach an agreement, but they are asking too much for what Toro can afford.”
There are some new signings, such as Adrien Tameze and Raoul Bellanova, but Samuele Ricci and Perr Schuurs are still on the transfer market.
“Everyone is for sale, but that is true of all clubs this summer. If they are happy to remain at Toro, then they won’t pressure to leave. If offers come in that we cannot turn down, then we have to deal with it,” added Juric.
“With Gleison Bremer, it seemed like the right moment for him to move on, but Ricci and Schuurs are still growing and maturity.”