Ivan Juric admits he feels ‘proud’ of Hellas Verona’s achievements as they host struggling Torino. ‘What we’ve done here has been underestimated.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Ivan Juric admits he feels ‘proud’ of Hellas Verona’s achievements as they host struggling Torino. ‘What we’ve done here has been underestimated.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I don’t think people realise what we’ve achieved this season, with clubs like Torino who are frankly of a totally different economic level to us, struggling to avoid relegation,” said Juric in his press conference.
“I was angry at first, but looking back over it carefully, I have to say this was my best Serie A season as a coach. I feel truly proud and happy. I think what we’ve done here has been underestimated.
“I remember the atmosphere when I arrived two years ago, the total lack of interest, and what we have now.”
Nonetheless, his future at Verona is far from secure, as Juric continues to discuss the next step with President Maurizio Setti.
“Contracts are one thing, work is another. When you sign, you do it with mutual respect, then things can change. But when you sign, you’ve signed, and both parties accept. I am just an employee.”
The coach confirmed some changes already, such as Marco Benassi returning to Fiorentina after his loan spell, while he plans to use 21-year-old goalkeeper Ivor Pandur for the remaining four games of the season.
“I find Torino’s campaign to be inexplicable. There’s so much quality in the squad, from Andrea Belotti to Antonio Sanabria, and they brought in Rolando Mandragora. They have everything to succeed and are doing well recently, giving their all to secure safety.”
Finally, Juric was asked for his opinion on the return of Jose Mourinho to Serie A for Roma.
“I read all of Mourinho’s books. Years ago he touched on debates that weren’t really discussed in football, such as working methods and how the brain reacts in certain situations.
“I hope he gets back to offering the style of football he had 10 years ago, which lately I’ve seen very little of.”