Torino boss Ivan Juric reveals he had a role in the deal that saw Nikola Vlasic join the Granata from West Ham and discusses his rapport with director Davide Vagnati.
Vlasic has moved to the Stadio Grande Torino on loan with an option to buy from the Hammers. The Granata failed to sign Dennis Praet permanently from Leicester City, so they moved for Juric’s compatriot.
“Praet is a big player, but right now we can’t afford to sign him [permanently],” Juric said at a press conference. “Now we have Lazaro, Vlasic and Miranchuk. Radonjic is a big gamble, let’s see if we’ll win it.”
Torino are still looking for a new centre-back. Which characteristics should the potential new signing have?
“I’d like to be a coach, Davide Vagnati must know the characteristics of a new defender. I must focus on the pitch, which is already a lot. Davide is in charge of transfers, but there are moments when I altervene, like in Vlasic’s case.”
There was tension between Juric and Vagnati in July with the pair almost coming to blows during Torino’s pre-season. However, the coach sees positives following the director’s reaction.
“I am happy with it, finally I saw him react and fight. I hope that he’ll put the same grit in situations useful to help the team. Sometimes I felt I was facing a rubber wall and I am delighted he reacted.
“Bremer has gone, he was the best defender in Serie A and we still haven’t signed anyone. Whoever comes will need to adapt. We miss players in midfield and defence, we’ve signed Miranchuk and Vlasic, who have had tough seasons but could do well.”
Bremer has joined Torino’s city rivals Juventus in a €40m deal this summer. The Brazilian centre-back was named best Serie A defender in 2021-22.
“[Torino President Urbano] Cairo doesn’t want to lose the money he’s lost in the last few years. He has invested in the staff and is trying to do his best, getting players on loan and youngsters who don’t earn much,” the coach continued, explaining the Granata’s transfer strategy.
“Surely, there are things we must improve, such as understand which young players have a future, but things are clear. It’s a different scenario and I am adapting,” he admitted.
Torino make their Serie A debut against Monza tomorrow. What’s Juric’s target for 2022-23?
“I don’t have one. Last season we finished 10th, a good result, but we’ve lost eight players, including a champion like Bremer. I don’t know what the targets are, we’ll see game by game. I expect a tough match against Monza.”
Juric is ready to begin his second season at the Stadio Grande Torino, where he has a contract until June 2024.