"Juventus" general director Giuseppe Marotta accepted an invitation from "Tuttosport" journalists to talk about the club's work in the player market and current issues. In the interview, the Italian answered questions about individual players, rumors surrounding them, the new team coach Massimiliano Allegri, the winter transfer window, hunting for young talents, long-standing rumors about Arturo Vidal's move to "Manchester United," and others. How do you assess the start of the season? "I thought it would be harder, but at the same time, I knew we have a very capable team. Coaching changes often cause problems, but not this time. The team has both young and experienced players, but we cannot rest on our laurels. The season has just begun, and so far, we haven't won anything. Let's say we are in the initial stage." Will the team be strengthened during the winter transfer window? "Considering Juventus's composition and the situation in the player market, it will not be easy to do so. We still have two more months ahead, and we are already waiting for responses from some players who can influence our decisions. Never forget, only footballers are the makers of their own destiny. If there is an opportunity to acquire a player who would strengthen the team, we would carefully consider everything. However, opportunities do not always become reality. Meanwhile, in the summer, we will certainly look for top-class players." Rumors about Juventus and Dani Alves - reality or gossip? "It's hard to find players who are Juventus level, and we certainly do not want to become a retirement home for remaining players without contracts. That being said, I can say that Dani Alves is an excellent player." Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal - the most coveted Juventus players? "We didn't want to sell and said 'no' to the Manchester United club. The end of the story. Besides, our relationship with Vidal's agent Fernando Felicevich is excellent. As for Pogba, he recently signed a new contract. His salary was very low, so without much thought, we offered a much higher one. Everything depends on the players - if Pogba and Vidal want to stay, they will." What is the situation with players whose contracts expire next summer - Sebastian Giovinco, Stephan Lichtsteiner, and, of course, Gianluigi Buffon? "We have submitted a request to Giovinco's agent regarding the possibility of extending the contract. If we are pleased with their proposed conditions, then everything will be fine. With Lichtsteiner, we continue negotiations, but we know our limits and will not exceed them. When Buffon last extended his contract with us, he had an offer with a salary of 10 million euros after tax deduction, but he decided to stay and even reduce his pay." Who contributes the most to Juventus' success in scouting young talents? "Fabio Paratici does an excellent job in the young players market. Thanks to Federico Cherubini and Claudio Chiellini, we maintain good relationships with players and various companies." What awaits the most talented Italian forwards at the moment - Simone Zaza and Manolo Gabbiadini? "We are talking about significant investments, so we will have to choose. Sometimes, as in the case of Ciro Immobile (sold to Borussia Dortmund for 18 million euros last summer), we have to sell a player, so such a scenario is possible with Zaza or Gabbiadiani." What benefit would the 'Juventus B' team bring to the club? "We have signed contracts with 64 players. 11 of them represent Serie A clubs, 13 gain experience abroad, and more than 24 players compete in the Serie B division. If we had a B team, it would be much easier to develop young talents. This way, players can more easily instill a winning mentality. For example, Daniele Rugani (Juventus defender loaned to Empoli) would probably have already debuted in the Champions League. The B team also provides a path for young coaches to grow and improve, with the best example being Josep Guardiola. However, Italian football does not want to understand that." Why is Juventus preparing to buy a club in the Portuguese championship? "We want to have a proper pathway for young South American players that can be acquired at a fair price. This is happening in the French and Spanish leagues, where many players from former South American and African colonies play." How do you react to fans of other clubs chanting 'Juve - thieves'? "These are just clichés that I heard since childhood. The strength of the club is best described by hard-fought victories. We are blamed for non-existent thefts, which do not exist in Europe and the world in general. It gives me mixed feelings. For example, every time I arrive at a rival's stadium, I feel discomfort. High-level football culture cannot afford such things. We receive attacks every day, but we respond clearly. It motivates us and gives us even more desire to win." How was new Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri received? "I must admit that at first, I did not know what it means to work in a club like Juventus. Allegri was also not an exception, but he quickly adapted. I remember the first day of Allegri's work: we were driving to Vinovo (Juventus training base) in the same car with president Andrea Agnelli, and as the fans gathered, they shouted insulting phrases and spat. But this is reality and part of the game. Allegri had a lot of problems, but he is experienced and knows how to handle similar situations." What does it mean that the visits of the Italian national team and former Juventus hero Antonio Conte to Vinovo have been canceled twice? "Everything is fine, he will arrive soon. There is no need to send additional invitations to him."
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