Capello explains how Tudor turned Juventus around: ‘Rung the school bell’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello believes his former player Igor Tudor has already brought a new lease of life to Juventus after picking up seven points from his first three matches in charge, and suggests that the Croatian has found success after bringing back a sense of freedom and enjoyment to the Old Lady.

Tudor picked up wins against Cagliari and Lecce and a 1-1 draw with Roma in between to start his career in the Bianconeri dugout after replacing Thiago Motta on an interim basis in March.

Juve are up to fourth in the Serie A table, and reports earlier in the week claim that the club are currently leaning towards a decision to extend Tudor’s contract so that he is in charge for the 2025-26 season as well.

Capello explains how Tudor has already turned Juventus around

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 12: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus and Lecce at Allianz Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Capello, who spent two years coaching Tudor during his time in charge of Juventus, insists that his former player is ‘more than just a journeyman’ and has explained how he has brought a positive atmosphere back to the Allianz Stadium in such a short space of time.

“It’s like the Croatian has rung the school bell: Books under desks and everyone in the playground having fun,” Capello wrote in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column.

“The Tudor effect is there, and you can feel it. Igor amazes me, but most importantly, it seems that he likes the players. The Champions League race is still a long-shot, but in just over 20 days, the new Juventus coach has already achieved an important feat. Aside from the seven points in three games, he’s given much greater freedom to individuals.”

Capello also believes that putting players back into their most natural positions is one of the key reasons why Tudor has got off to a winning start at Juventus.

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 12: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Lecce at Allianz Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Tudor knows Juventus and made choices that suit the club as soon as he returned to Turin. All the best players are on the pitch, beginning with Vlahovic, and in the positions most natural to them.

“Yildiz has gone from the wing to a playmaker role, while McKennie has said goodbye to the trequartista role. Igor didn’t invent a magic formula, but he has demonstrated that he has the key skills to coach a big team: Common sense and practicality.”