TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Penicino/Getty Images)
Manager Igor Tudor insists Juventus’ tactical changes against Real Madrid make “little sense”, but wants “a will to win and not just come here and enjoy the stadium”.
Kick-off will take place at the Estadio Bernabéu at 20:00 UK time (19:00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action from this match and Atalanta vs. Slavia Prague on our live blog.
There are rumors of a crisis within the Bianconeri camp following a month without a win, with just five draws and defeats between Serie A and the Champions League.
Tudor’s focus is all on Juventus’ mentality
When asked about the return to a three-man defense and changes to the midfield, the manager took a completely different approach.
“Tactical systems are rarely given too much importance. Anyone who recommends winning or losing based on systems knows very little about football,” Tudor told Sky Sports Italia.
“What’s important is the heart, the running, and above all the quality of the players. They decide the game. What we need is for each of them to be the main character, step up, believe in themselves and aim for a win here.”
“There will be moments when we have to put pressure on against high-level teams, but we can’t play 90 minutes like that. So what I told the team is we need to step up and try to win.”
Changes could be seen as Manuel Locatelli and Francisco Conceição drop to the bench, with Weston McKennie potentially playing a more advanced role linking the attack to the midfield.
“We will prepare what we think is best, but then we will see how the game unfolds. The important thing is that you come here not just to enjoy the view of the stadium, but you want to win. If you come here with the mentality that you can do it, then you will be happy to play here. That was my only input into the team,” Tudor added.
“All I can do is pick the starting XI. I think too much about whether someone will start or someone else will start. It doesn’t make much difference who plays. It doesn’t really make much of a difference. It’s about team spirit and all the other factors.”
Locatelli’s absence means Kenan Yildiz will be wearing the captain’s armband at the Bernabéu for the first time this season.
“He’s a young man who deserves it and I’m happy for him.”
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