Juventus manager Igor Tudor has voiced his concerns about the team`s defensive performance following a chaotic 4-4 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. This match came just days after a similarly high-scoring 4-3 victory over Inter Milan in Serie A.
The Bianconeri showed remarkable resilience, scoring twice in stoppage time through substitute Dusan Vlahovic and Lloyd Kelly to salvage a point after trailing 4-2 in the 86th minute. However, Tudor was not entirely satisfied with the outcome.
“We can`t continue like this,” Tudor stated in his post-match interview. “We`re conceding too many goals, even though we`re scoring plenty as well. It was incredibly challenging to maintain energy levels in the second half, especially considering the tough match we had just three days ago. Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, had a much easier weekend fixture.”
Tudor praised the impact of his substitutes, who have been crucial in all four of Juventus` recent matches. He acknowledged the individual talents of Borussia Dortmund but expressed frustration at the avoidable nature of the goals conceded.
The coach highlighted the physical toll on his players, noting that some, like Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram, were visibly exhausted. He emphasized the importance of rotation given the tight schedule and the significance of substitutes in deciding matches.
While Juventus has shown a warrior mentality in refusing to give up in difficult situations, Tudor admitted that the team couldn`t have done more on the night given the circumstances. He stressed the need to evaluate various factors, including the return of players from injuries and the absence of key individuals like Francisco Conceicao.
Despite the defensive concerns, Tudor acknowledged the positive team spirit and work ethic as foundations to build upon. He concluded by noting the stark contrast in Juventus` goalscoring form compared to last season`s struggles, viewing it as a sign of progress amidst the defensive challenges.