David Trezeguet, the former striker for Juventus, recently shared insights on the expectations of the club, the struggles of current player Dusan Vlahovic, and the intense rivalry with Inter Milan during an interview with Fanpage. Trezeguet, who is no stranger to pressure as part of the Juventus legacy, spoke candidly about the necessity of victory as the team's defining mission.
"At Juve, you need to convey the hunger to win; the rest matters little, otherwise you’re sent packing," Trezeguet asserted, emphasizing what he learned from the likes of club executives Andrea Agnelli and Luciano Moggi, as well as key figures Giraudo and Bettega. This mantra reflects the prevailing sentiment within the Juventus organization, where the legacy of winning looms large over the present. Trezeguet noted the urgency for players to embrace this mindset, especially considering the historical successes of the club.
He elaborated on Vlahovic’s situation, explaining, "Juventus had once regained continuity in victories, and now it is at the point where the public expects results. You are part of an organization where you can talk, but winning is mandatory, and if you don’t understand this, you need to change clubs." His words echo the sentiments of many who have donned the Juventus jersey. The expectations are unwavering, where personal struggles and frustrations are overshadowed by the collective goal of triumph.
Trezeguet’s remarks come amid the backdrop of Juventus’s current challenges. The team has had to navigate difficult patches, including changes, injuries, and adjusting players which, as he pointed out, are of little concern compared to the club's overarching ambition of winning. "No one cares about injuries or personal issues; at Juve, only winning matters," he added, underscoring the high stakes of playing at such a prestigious club.
But his comments aren’t just limited to the performance of the current squad; Trezeguet also reignited the flames of the historic rivalry with Inter Milan, particularly referencing the infamous events of 2006. He stated unequivocally, "We all know, including the Inter fans: the championship was won on the field by Juve, showcasing strength superior to Inter. The matches were played, and Juventus fielded a monstrous team, superior even to top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, all of whom were performing strongly at the time. The Scudetto displayed by Inter today is something folkloristic."
These comments touch on one of the most contentious issues between the two clubs: the legitimacy of Inter's claim to the Scudetto they were awarded after the Calciopoli scandal. Trezeguet argued, "Many players on Inter knew Juventus was superior and deserved to win the championship; everything else is mere folklore." His perspective serves both as commentary on past ambiguities and as commentary on the present-day tensions between the two powerhouse clubs.
For Trezeguet, these reflections are not merely nostalgic sentiments; they carry weight for the current and future state of Juventus. The pressure on players to perform and concrete achievements to speak for themselves are central themes he has witnessed throughout his career at the club. The legacy of Juventus is one of ambition and resilient pursuit of success, and he firmly believes this heritage is indispensable for Vlahovic and others aiming to thrive.
Concluding his thoughts, Trezeguet left no room for ambiguity: excellence is non-negotiable at Juventus. The club’s identity is deeply entwined with victories, and falling short of those expectations is simply not tolerated. Whether current players acknowledge this reality will dictate their future, for the demands of Juventus do not waver. With supporters waiting, the pressure mounts, serving as both the club’s legacy and the ominous whisper of expectation hanging over every match.