When football veteran and former Juventus boss, Fabio Capello, speaks, it often comes with a dose of pragmatic wisdom. In a recent interview, Capello cast his eye over the Juventus squad looking ahead to the upcoming season, offering a perspective that might temper the enthusiasm primarily focused on attacking flair.
Naturally, the conversation touched upon promising young talent. Kenan Yildiz, the dynamic forward, garnered positive remarks. Capello acknowledged Yildiz as a “point of reference,” appreciated by the club, his teammates, and the fanbase. His strong finish to the recent season has positioned him for what Capello believes should be a campaign of “definitive consecration and reconfirmation.” Yildiz represents the exciting potential for Juventus`s offense.
However, Capello`s analysis quickly pivoted from the allure of attacking players to a more fundamental truth of championship football, particularly in Italy. While a “dream attack” might capture the imagination and sell tickets, winning titles requires a different foundation. Capello was unequivocal: success is built from the back. His view is stark – history shows that only on rare occasions has a team lifted the league title without possessing the league`s best defense. In Capello`s words, if you lack defensive solidity, “you don`t go anywhere. Everything else is just talk.” It`s a stern, almost old-school assertion in an era often obsessed with high-pressing and goal tallies.
Applying this principle directly to Juventus, Capello identified the true difference-makers for the season ahead, and they reside squarely in the defensive third. The anticipated full recovery of Gleison Bremer after a lengthy injury spell and the complete return to peak fitness for Federico Gatti are, according to Capello, the crucial factors. These two central defenders, already part of the squad, are seen as significant reinforcements.
Capello emphasized that having players of their caliber returning to full strength in such a vital area as defense is a factor Juventus must not underestimate. In a sense, their robust presence at the back is more valuable than any potential new offensive signing when it comes to the gritty business of securing points and mounting a title challenge. While Yildiz provides spark and promise up front, Capello`s experienced eye suggests the Scudetto race for Juventus will hinge significantly on the less glamorous, yet absolutely essential, ability of Bremer and Gatti to anchor a resolute defense.
