Tudor reveals message for Conceiçao, insists ‘past and present don’t matter’ at Juventus

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 29: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus and Genoa at the Allianz Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus coach Igor Tudor insists ‘present and past don’t matter much’ but would be ‘happy’ to change his mind on Francisco Conceiçao: ‘I’m sorry he’s not playing.’

Tudor’s Juventus will host strugglers Lecce at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, aiming to secure a much-needed win in the race for the top four in Serie A.

Tudor previewed the game at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

“The group is doing well, it’s been a bit of a short week, but the lads have worked well. We’ll play on Saturday on the back of a solid and serious performance [against Roma],” the Bianconeri boss said.

“You can see more confidence and the enjoyment of doing things right.”

Juventus have already dropped way too many points against teams in the bottom half of the table, including Lecce.

“The right mentality comes with time,” Tudor argued.

“Every match is like a final. When you give your all for the team, the group, the mentality and the victories come. Wins create more wins, but the challenge is always with yourself.”

Six teams are still competing for two Champions League spots in Serie A, but this detail should not affect Juventus.

“For me, nothing changes,” Tudor insisted.

“It’s fascinating to do calculations, but nothing changes. Tomorrow is a battle, we must do the right things tactically and then focus on the next training. There’s no other way to do it.”

Khephren Thuram trained separately on Thursday, but resumed group training on Friday morning.

“We’re still assessing him,” said Tudor.

“There are other players as well, we’ll see tomorrow who plays.”

Teun Koopmeiners is an option in the middle of the park after the Dutchman started on the bench against Roma last week.

“I’ve seen him more positive and energetic,” said Tudor.

“He trained well. We have adjusted a few things physically, and he worked like the others.”

Francisco Conceiçao looked upset on social media after spending the entire game against Roma on the bench, and several Italian media outlets claim Juventus are no longer convinced of paying €30m to make his move permanent in the summer.

“He’s a player I really like,” insisted Tudor.

“He can make a difference because he dribbles well and takes on his man. I’m sorry he’s not playing. I know how it feels. But there is just one match per week and fewer opportunities. I told him: ‘If I see you doing well, I’ll play you.’ I’m happier when I change my mind. That’s what I told him. It applies to him and the others.

“Everyone is important, especially those starting on the bench. It’s crucial. With five substitutions, it’s a different kind of football. I hope to find more balance to make them [more strikers] play together. It takes time, but it can be done.”