Latest news with #DamienComoli
Forbes
2 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Why Igor Tudor Will Coach Juventus At Club World Cup And Into 2025/26
Igor Tudor made a big impact at Juventus after replacing Thiago Motta (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / ... More AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) Speaking at his inaugural press conference after taking over as General Manager of Juventus, Damien Comoli has confirmed that Igor Tudor will remain as the club's Head Coach. The Bianconeri had already announced Comoli's arrival – an appointment discussed in this previous column – and knowing that he would be asked about the future of the side, the former Tottenham executive addressed it head on. 'I would like to clarify a few points before taking questions,' Comoli told reporters at his first press conference. 'Igor Tudor will be our Coach for next season and not just for the Club World Cup. He will lead the first team for the 2025/2026 season and, I hope, beyond that. 'I remember it perfectly when I met him in Ligue 1. Even then, I was impressed by the intensity he brought to his Marseille side. He did an extraordinary job there, but I repeat that what struck me most was the resilience of his team, the physical and mental strength of those players.' The reason Tudor had become such a hot topic was the constant speculation that he would be replaced. As last season came to a close, Juventus had been strongly linked with approaches for Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini but ultimately those rumours came to nothing. Those same reports – including this one from the Corriere della Sera – also insisted that Juve had made contact with Stefano Pioli and Fulham boss Marco Silva, but again with no tangible progress. Whatever the truth behind those rumours, the Turin giants will now go into the 2025/26 campaign with Tudor at the helm and he will also be in charge for the FIFA Club World Cup which kicks off later this month. When he arrived back in March to replace Thiago Motta, Tudor was initially only in charge on an interim basis, but his deal automatically extended until June 2026 when UEFA Champions League qualification was achieved. There was a clause that gave Juve an option to terminate the agreement for a cost of €1 million ($1.14 million) this summer, but now it seems the Coach will do so with a new, improved contract. According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Tudor's agent Anthony Seric will be in Turin later this week to finalise terms on an extension that will run until the summer of 2027. This would bring a far greater sense of stability to the club, as currently they would go into the 2025/26 campaign with the Coach already in the final year of his contract. Instead, with a two-year deal in place, Tudor would have more authority to shape the squad in the manner he needs to. Comoli was inevitably also asked how he would support the Coach with changes in the transfer market, but – other than confirming Randal Kolo Muani would play for Juve in the Club World Cup – he refused to give any details. 'I'm very open, but there is one thing I'm not open about, and it's transfers,' Comoli said at his press conference. 'I tend to be more reserved on this. 'We discussed with the coach, Giorgio [Chiellini] and Maurizio [Scanavino, club CEO]. We have an idea; we are considering Igor's approach. What I can say is that surely adjustments need to be made, but not radical changes.' Using the boss' tactical framework to inform their choices can only benefit the team and their prospects of silverware next term. Igor Tudor is here to stay, now Juventus need to rediscover their identity and challenge for honours if his time at the helm is to ultimately be successful.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What Do Juventus Expect From Former Liverpool Director Damien Comoli?
Damien Comolli celebrates victory in the French Cup final with Toulouse (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty ... More Images) After another disappointing season, Juventus have decided to make significant changes and have announced the appointment of Damien Comoli as the club's new General Manager from June 4. In a statement on their official website, the Bianconeri revealed that Comoli – set to report directly to the Chief Executive Officer Maurizio Scanavino – will be responsible for the Men's Football Area as well as the Marketing and Commercial Departments. The Turin-based side also revealed that former Captain Giorgio Chiellini will work for Comoli as the Director of Football Strategy, with a major part of his role being to ensure the 'values and spirit of Juventus' are upheld. 'We are delighted to welcome Damien and extend our best wishes for his journey with us,' said Maurizio Scanavino in the same statement. 'His expertise and professionalism will play a crucial role in Juventus' path to continued strength and growth.' Having spent the last five years serving as President of Toulouse, Comoli led the French club to promotion to Ligue 1 and their first ever triumph in the Coupe de France. Prior to that, he had spent a long career in various roles at some high profile clubs, starting with his appointment as a scout for Arsenal back in 1996. Responsible for identifying talent across Europe during Arsene Wenger's tenure, he has been credited with bringing players such as Kolo Toure and Gael Clichy to North London before moving on in 2004. The Frenchman then became Sporting Director at Saint-Étienne, departing after just 12 months to become the director of football at Tottenham. It was during his time with the club that they won their last trophy – the 2008 League Cup Final victory – before lifting this year's UEFA Europa League. Comoli brought players including Dimitar Berbatov, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale to Spurs, all three eventually moving on for large profits. Indeed, the latter pair are believed to have cost Tottenham roughly $38 million, but were later sold (separately) to Real Madrid later for a combined $177 million. Another spell at Saint-Étienne followed, before Comoli spent an eventful 18 months back in the Premier League with Liverpool. Spending over $170 million during the January 2011 transfer window, the director was guilty of bringing in expensive flops including Andy Carroll ($57 million) and Stewart Downing ($33 million). However, he was also responsible for the acquisition of Luis Suarez from Ajax for a fee of £22.8 million (£30.87 million) and long-time skipper Jordan Henderson for around £16 million ($21.66 million). Henderson would go on to make almost 500 appearances for the club and Captain them to UEFA Champions League glory in 2019 as well as their first top flight English title since 1990. Meanwhile, Suarez would win the 2013/14 Premier League Golden Boot and European Golden Shoe awards after scoring 31 league goals in 33 appearances, before moving to Barcelona for £64.98 million ($87.98 million). Those kinds of deals would be hugely attractive to Juve, delivering tangible success on the field as well as securing much-needed boosts to their ailing finances, with the recent qualification for next season's Champions League helping on both fronts. 'I am thrilled and privileged to join a Club distinguished by its history, identity and ambitious vision,' Comoli said after his appointment. 'From the very first day, I will dedicate my experience to Juventus with the ultimate goal of achieving victory — just as Juventus is meant to, and as our fans rightfully expect.' Supporters and club officials will expect just that, with Juve's decision to dismiss Cristiano Giuntoli coming as a direct result of his failure to deliver results. In less than two years at the helm, the former Napoli director replaced both Max Allegri and Thiago Motta as Coach while bringing in a number of high profile signings who did not live up to expectations. Finishing third and fourth in Serie A over the last two seasons was never going to satisfy Italian football's most successful club, especially while Giuntoli was also responsible for expensive flops like Teun Koopmeiners (signed for €54.7 million/$62.49) and Douglas Luiz (€50 million/$57.12 million). It is into that world that the new General Manager now steps. Damien Comoli has had success in the past, but he will need to deliver quickly both on and off the pitch at Juventus.
