Carlos Tevez opened up about his new life as a coach, his desire to return to Serie A one day and his Champions League regrets with Juventus.
The 40-year-old former striker is currently the head coach of Independiente, showing positives across his first 28 matches in charge. He previously spent around five months in charge of Rosario Central, having retired from his playing career back in June 2022.
During his lengthy playing career, Tevez only spent two years with Juventus from 2013 to 2015 but played an important part in helping to kickstart their dominance of the 2010s, scoring 50 goals and providing 19 assists in 96 games across all competitions.
Tevez opens up
Speaking on page 21 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Tevez first discussed his life as Independiente coach and how he acts in the dugout.
“Passionate, someone who puts their soul into it every day. We play dynamic football, high pressing and great attention to the attacking phase. With my players I’m a hammer, I’ve had great teachers…”
He spoke about some of these great teachers.
“I’m inspired by Conte for his passion and obsession for victory, from Bielsa I took his attention to detail and from Ferguson I bring great calm in managing the squad. But I’ve had many good coaches, I’m thinking of Mancini and Allegri. If I have to say one though, I’d choose Antonio.”
The former Argentina striker explained why he picked Antonio Conte.
“I can think of one that perfectly captures his character. We were fighting for the Scudetto against Roma, I was in Argentina due to a family problem, and I couldn’t train.
“We would’ve played the Giallorossi at the weekend. First, he told me not to worry, three days later he asked me to come back because we had to win at all costs, and he wanted me on the pitch. For him only victory existed.”
Tevez also remembered Massimiliano Allegri.
“Max is different, he’s calmer. That’s not to say that he’s not a winner or that he doesn’t have the mentality. Just see how he gets up from every difficult moment.
“All thanks to the management and empathy that he knows how to create with the squad. He is calmer in situations, but the whole locker room follows him.”
The 40-year-old was asked if Allegri should be confirmed as Juventus coach amidst recent doubts.
“The team are now third and I don’t think they have the means to do more. We are used to seeing Juve win, so we’re surprised when they don’t do it for a few years. I follow Serie A a lot and I think that Inter are superior, and there’s a lot of distance between the two clubs.
“Allegri knows how to bring out the best in the team especially in difficult times. It was like this with us too at the beginning. Then it will depend on what the management are looking for.”
Tevez spoke about the idea of returning to Serie A.
“Italy is in my heart. I would love to, maybe as a coach. Serie A is one of the best leagues in the world and I think I have to grow to deserve it.”
The 40-year-old commented on a player who has impressed him in the Italian topflight.
“Lautaro without a doubt. He is dominant, he makes the difference. Then if you have a striker who scores that much you already have a hand on the league. Inter are complete, but he is an incredible added value.”
Tevez was asked about any regrets from his playing career.
“The Champions League final. We were very strong. And I was convinced that we could win it, even if we had the best Barça ever in front of us. Let’s look at that midfield: Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio. They gave you the feeling that they could send you through on goal at any moment.”
He expressed some distance from Paul Pogba’s recent troubles.
“No (spoke to him, ed.), but not because I don’t love him. On the contrary. We are very close, and he knows that he has all my support. But I think these are personal things and I’m not the type to get involved. But I am there for him, and I will always be there.”
Tevez was asked about if he was close to joining Milan before signing for Juventus back in 2013.
“I was meant to go to Milan, but it didn’t depend on me or Galliani. There has always been esteem and a lot of respect. Then every time I played against Milan I did very well.
“Juve moved well, even a little secretly, and managed to get me. Who knows, however, maybe paths with Milan will cross again. Maybe as a coach…”
Finally, Tevez discussed his goals for the future.
“First of all, improve. I know this is a gym and I have to play my cards well. I had an excellent career as a player, I would like to do it as a coach too.
“I like it a lot and I didn’t think I would be so passionate about it. I think a lot about Italy, who knows if there will be an opportunity in the future.”
More must-reads: