Juventus defender and coach Paolo Montero has commented on the current situation of the Bianconeri, speaking about the team’s mentality, Luciano Spalletti’s work, and some of the players who have stood out this season.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Montero stressed that Juventus must regain their winning mentality and understand the weight of the shirt they wear. According to him, the team must believe more in themselves and not be satisfied with an overly defensive approach on the pitch.
“You have to understand the objective and the reason why you are fighting. Do the Juventus players have this clear? I hope so. During that week I met some very good guys, who behaved excellently. Locatelli, Bremer and Cambiaso, who was a bit shyer, but I had the chance to talk with them.
I would rather lose 5-0 than play with what we in Uruguay call the ‘nighthawk tactic’, where everyone stays glued behind the crossbar. We are Juventus and we must go out on the pitch to attack our opponents. The stadium also sometimes has an impact. There are moments when you have to stand by the team. Otherwise, it is very easy to be with the team only when you win”, the Uruguayan emphasized.
Montero devoted a special part of the interview to Edon Zhegrova, about whom he spoke in superlatives. The former Juventus defender described the Kosovar striker as a player with Brazilian traits, underlining that he needs to get more minutes available to him.
“I like Zhegrova. He is a Brazilian-type player. Now, whenever he is activated, he should play more minutes. I saw him when he was in France. Patience is needed”, he said.
To illustrate the importance of patience with young players, Montero also brought up the example of Zinedine Zidane, who was not fully appreciated in his early days in Turin.
“When Zidane arrived in Turin, Juventus wanted to get rid of him as early as January. Then we saw what he became. It is not easy to adapt to changes. The Juventus shirt carries weight. We want everything immediately, but Juventus must win every day”, he added.
Asked how he would deal with Zhegrova if he were his opponent, Montero admitted that his dribbling and speed would make a defender’s job considerably harder.
“It would be difficult. When Zhegrova comes at you, everything becomes complicated. You always have to watch the ball and not the player. If you do this, sometimes you manage to win the ball. Otherwise, the opponent gets past you”, Montero said.