Paulo Sousa “always dreamed” of being the Juventus coach and hopes to one day make it come true, while expecting greater things from Federico Chiesa and Federico Bernardeschi.
The Portuguese tactician is currently at Girondins de Bordeaux, after leaving Fiorentina for Tianjin Tianhai Quanjian in China.
“I always dreamed of working for a club that would allow me to train champions and aim for success,” Sousa told Tuttosport.
Paulo Sousa “always dreamed” of being the Juventus coach and hopes to one day make it come true, while expecting greater things from Federico Chiesa and Federico Bernardeschi.
The Portuguese tactician is currently at Girondins de Bordeaux, after leaving Fiorentina for Tianjin Tianhai Quanjian in China.
“I always dreamed of working for a club that would allow me to train champions and aim for success,” Sousa told Tuttosport.
“Juventus would without doubt fit that bill. I hope to one day deserve my place on that bench, not because I am friends with President Andrea Agnelli, but because they believe I can bring something important.”
He’s no stranger to the Bianconeri, having played at Juve from 1994 to 1996.
Their current boss is Maurizio Sarri, following his experiences at Empoli, Napoli and Chelsea.
“It was a courageous decision from Juve and a very good one, as I believe Sarri has left his mark on football with his style and approach. It has always been good for me to face Sarri, as he is a coach who forces you to think about football at a superior level. I also think he’s a winner, as he proved at Chelsea.”
Sousa’s most successful coaching role in Italy was at Fiorentina, where he helped launch the careers of Chiesa and Bernardeschi.
“I had noticed from the first training sessions playing against the youth team that Chiesa was special. It wasn’t just his technical and physical qualities, but his mentality, as it’s rare for one so young to be so determined to keep raising the bar.
“On top of that, he is a born leader and drags everyone else with him. I am convinced Chiesa will become a champion and it would be even more of an advantage for him if he joined a big club like Juventus, because it’d help inspire him being in contact with other top level teammates. He loves to learn and would relish being at a top club.”
On the other hand, Bernardeschi’s progress has stalled since his move to Juventus.
“I send this message: Federico, believe in yourself the way I believe in you! He’s a great player and will reach a high level, he just has to find those qualities within himself.
“I played him out wide for Fiorentina because in my view that position helps him to spread his vision of the pitch.”