New Hellas Verona coach Igor Tudor replaces Eusebio Di Francesco after just three rounds, but insists comparisons to ‘brother’ Ivan Juric will not help anyone.
Some initial struggle was expected after Juric left to take over at Torino, but Di Francesco was fired following three defeats out of three in Serie A.
The club brought in fellow Croatian Tudor, who Juric has referred to as a ‘brother’, but the new man is eager to avoid the inevitable comparisons.
“Ivan and I are friends, we’ve known each other since we were kids, we went through the Hajduk Split youth academy together,” said Tudor in his press conference.
“We talk about football often, but we each have our own view of the game. I think he’s one of the best coaches, among the top three or four in Serie A, and that’s not just because he’s my friend. I can only hope to do half as well as he’s done.
“We’ll see my ideas of football emerge over time, but at this moment we need the team to above all be united. We have to be aggressive, run hard and move the ball quickly.
“The choice of system is secondary, the style is more important, the intensity, movement off the ball and opening up of passing channels. That’s what matters.
“Honestly, I would rather you avoid comparisons with Juric. I know it’s part of your work to put labels on and try to draw comparisons, but it’s just a show, it helps nobody.”
There are some players at Verona that Tudor already worked with, specifically Kevin Lasagna, Antonin Barak and Koray Gunter.
“All of life is a battle. I was chosen for this role because the club likes my ideas. I have various options that I can draw on, including zonal marking or man-marking, but ultimately it’s the players who make the difference.”
Tudor had been a head coach for many years, so his decision to become Andrea Pirlo’s assistant at Juventus last season was surprising.
“I think Pirlo will have a great career. It was a different experience, one that really enriched me. Verona is a big opportunity for me and being a Serie A coach is a privilege, battling it out with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Luciano Spalletti.”