“I have to compliment the players,” Tudor told Mediaset and DAZN after the match. “We did what we planned. They gave everything. Ten players asked to come off because they were exhausted. Even the substitution of Kenan Yildiz was not a tactical choice – he asked to be replaced.”
Juventus opened the match with energy and purpose, determined to bounce back after the heavy loss to Manchester City days earlier. For the first half-hour, Locatelli and his teammates pushed Real Madrid onto the back foot, creating chances and pressing high up the pitch. However, as fatigue set in, the Spanish champions took control and converted their opportunities.
Yildiz: Real Madrid Are on Another Level
Kenan Yildiz, restored to the starting lineup, praised the quality of the opposition. “We played a good match, but what Real Madrid did was incredible. They are the favorites to win the Club World Cup,” he admitted after the final whistle.
Captain Manuel Locatelli also focused on the positives: “There was great team spirit. Unfortunately, they scored and we didn’t. We have to accept it and look ahead.”
A Foundation for the Future
The Club World Cup was always going to be a test for Juventus, who faced back-to-back matches against Manchester City and Real Madrid – arguably the two strongest clubs in the competition. Still, Tudor believes the experience will prove valuable as the squad prepares for the upcoming Serie A season.
“These are the best teams in the world,” Tudor said. “We suffered, but that is part of growing. Now the players need to rest well. Then we will start again with the right spirit.”
The Croatian coach, who recently extended his contract with Juventus until 2027, confirmed plans to expand his staff before preseason begins. Francesco Bordin, who has worked at Venezia alongside Eusebio Di Francesco and Paolo Vanoli, is expected to join as a technical assistant.
Reinforcements and Renewed Ambitions
Juventus will look to strengthen the squad in the transfer window, with at least one reinforcement expected for each department of the team. Tudor has requested three to four new signings to help close the gap with Europe’s elite.
The early stages of the Club World Cup demonstrated glimpses of what this Juventus can become. The dominant wins over Al Ain and Wydad showed promise, while the matches against City and Madrid exposed the areas that require improvement.
As the squad heads home to Italy, Tudor is already thinking about the months ahead. “This experience was useful. It will help the young players grow,” he said. “Now it’s time to recharge, come back stronger, and be ready to fight for every objective.”
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