Tudor: ‘Juventus on right path and deserved a goal’ with Real Madrid

Igor Tudor insists Juventus are ‘on the right path’ after their 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid, leaving with ‘regrets because we deserved at least a goal.’

The Bianconeri were in crisis coming into this toughest of Champions League fixtures, managing only five draws and a defeat in their last six competitive games.

Although they had chances at the Bernabeu, most notably with Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda, they also conceded quite a few before Jude Bellingham tapped in the rebound from the Vinicius effort off the inside of the far post.

“The lads are disappointed, because they felt that they deserved at least a goal. There are regrets, but we are on the right path,” Tudor told Sky Sport Italia and Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“I liked the initial attitude and character, then naturally Real Madrid will always put you under pressure, but we did what we had prepared. We only conceded with that incredible individual quality of Vinicius between three, and then off the upright.

“There was a little respect and fear of giving away a penalty, so nobody made the challenge. After all, if nobody made a mistake in football, there would never by any goals.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus

Tudor had said he wanted more determination from his players this evening, and the coach saw some progress.

“Everyone has to be a leader in this team, and in that sense I think we are a little below what I’d like to see. Many new players arrived and we lost some of the champions with experience.

“We have some strengths and weaknesses, but have to put faith in this team, as we are on the right track. Comparisons with the past do not help, but we have to accept them.”

Was there something in particular that Tudor did not like in this performance?

“We had hunger, but when running so much, there is a lack of sharpness and many were not accustomed to playing at this level. We know our limits, but I am happy with the performance, even if nobody likes to leave empty-handed.”

This means that Juve have only two points from the first three games in the Champions League opening phase, and sit in the elimination spots at this stage.