Cambiaso: "Spalletti's Juve: passion and detail. I'm studying Djokovic and Sinner."
Juve and the national team, the Champions League and the derby, Spalletti and... Freud. In a long chat, Andrea Cambiaso helps us understand how the Bianconeri are doing. And how he is doing: between removing his headphones (otherwise the coach will get angry) and his desire to go to university.
Cambiaso, you've lived under Spalletti as a coach and now you've found him as a manager: has he changed? "Generally speaking, I think they're two different jobs. Specifically, I think his experience with the national team has changed the coach. The first thing he told me when we met here at Continassa was that he was very upset about what had happened with the Azzurri. He's bringing something new to Juve. I've always been impressed by his incredible passion for football: he watches a thousand games a day, he's modern in what he says, he studies football in every detail."
Are his training sessions as special as some say? "He pays attention to every little detail: we study every kick-off, every throw-in. Spalletti truly pays attention to everything."
How did it affect you hearing him talk about the Scudetto race? "He pointed out that before Cremona we were six points off the top spot and now we're four. He emphasized that the standings aren't dramatic. And we all agree: it's a balanced championship, Juve have what it takes to do well."
Is there a favorite? "Napoli and Inter started ahead. Among the others, we're on equal terms."
Other Spalletti quotes that struck you? "Lots: when he speaks, he wins you over. He reminded me of Allegri's speeches, emphasizing the importance of results: at Juve you have to win or else things will get messy."
He said of her that she's a three-dimensional player. "He paid me a compliment, and I thank him. I've always played many positions, since I was little: midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger, full-back, and wing-back. So I've opened my mind a little, and I imagine Spalletti's 'three-dimensionality' refers to this aspect. In today's football, more and more players wander around the pitch without providing any reference points. Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal does this very well. I often watch him, I often watch Arsenal. I also like the way Cucurella and Nuno Mendes play, who are full-backs but essentially play as centre-forwards."
Who did you study as a child? "Cancelo, the first to play full-back like this. Thanks to Guardiola."
By the way, how close were you to joining City? "There was interest, but I was never close. And as far as I'm concerned, I never made any proclamations or banners about leaving."
Some felt his performances were affected by these potential transfer market developments. "Even I, from the outside, would have made certain connections. But that wasn't the case, so I was disappointed."
Let's get back to the present, to the derby. "Torino has 'nothing to lose'—I put that in quotation marks. Some Granata live their season for this match. We have to be ready and absolutely must win. Besides, these are three crucial points regardless. We need wins."
Has anyone from Turin already put pressure on you? "There are a lot of Juventus fans in my building, so I'm lucky in that sense. But it's a game we feel strongly about, and we talk about it especially with the warehouse workers, who are from Turin."
Can you help us understand Vlahovic? Lately, he seems different than he used to. "Dusan is a great striker, and this year I see him more calm and relaxed. He's also a great leader; he can really help us."
Who among the new signings has impressed you? "Zhegrova already impressed me as an opponent in Lille: she's a lively player. Think of the famous zeppettina Spalletti mentioned."
You once said you prefer a good book to video games, and you even mentioned college. "College is something that crosses my mind every now and then. Initially, I thought about sports science, then psychology, and I even talked about it with Juventus' psychologist. We footballers are always under pressure, and studying can be a way to unwind. But before starting this journey, I want to be sure I can balance football and college courses. If I start something, I want to do it well."
The character
Juventus, Spalletti sees 1,000 points in Serie A
What are you reading now? "Now 'Novak, Inside Djokovic's Mind'." The further I read, the more I realize he's a real nutcase and perhaps, for now, the greatest tennis player of all time in terms of determination and obsession, as well as talent. Reading the stories of these champions, you understand that innate talent isn't enough. Sinner is also emblematic for his charisma and dedication: to reach the top of the rankings, you have to have an almost obsessive passion for your sport. And I have to admit, it makes me very proud to see an Italian on top of the world."
Any other books you recommend? "I recommend 'No D**kheads' by James Kerr: starting with the All Blacks, it talks about leadership and teamwork."
How are we doing with music? And above all, be careful about how you listen: Spalleti, already with the national team, said he didn't want to see "idiots swaying around with headphones" getting off the bus. (Laughter) "Actually, I use headphones! I'll have to switch to earphones. But I assure you, the coach hasn't really laid down any rules or commandments. He has a thousand things to think about, headphones being the least of them."
Right, let's get serious. Is the Champions League getting tough? "The margin for error is now close to zero. We have four games that on paper are easier than the first four. We have to win them all. Spalletti has insisted a lot: we can fix the standings very well, but no more slip-ups."
And what about the road to the World Cup? "Hope is the last thing to die, in the sense that we still have two games: we need to beat Moldova and see how Norway fares. If we then finish the playoffs, we'll give it our all in the play-offs."
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