Juventus boss Igor Tudor has brushed off concerns over end-of-season fatigue, insisting his side remains full of energy and ambition ahead of Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup meeting with Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia.
Juve kicked off their campaign with a commanding 5-0 win over Al Ain and know another victory will secure their place in the knockout rounds, potentially setting up a Group G decider with Manchester City later in the week.
“I don’t see any signs of fatigue in the team; on the contrary, I see a lot of enthusiasm,” said Tudor in Saturday’s press conference.
“They started the last match like it was a final. There’s more confidence in them now, not just a little but a lot more.”
The Croatian manager has revived Juve’s fortunes since taking over in March, leading the club to a top-four Serie A finish after a turbulent campaign.
“I have great professionals who’ve been available from the first day to the last,” he added. “We’ve developed a better understanding of the game and what I ask of them as a coach.”
While progress has been swift, Tudor urged his players to maintain focus. “Juventus should be ambitious, but we must stay humble and work hard with our heads down,” he said.
“I always tell the players to focus on training and take each match as it comes. Maybe I bore them by saying it, but that’s the mindset we need.”
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