Former OGC Nice and Borussia Dortmund coach Lucien Favre warns that Juventus and West Ham target Jean-Clair Todibo must be ‘more focused’ and confirms Jadon Sancho had ‘big problems’ with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Swiss coach Favre who worked with many Juventus transfer targets in the past, gave an interview with Tuttosport to discuss the Old Lady’s strategies this summer.
The Serie A giants have hired a new coach, Thiago Motta, and Favre believes they made the right move.
“Absolutely, yes. I appreciate the club’s decision,” he said.
Favre sends Todibo warning to Juve and West Ham, gives verdict on Thuram, Adeyemi and Sancho
“My French friend Arsene Wenger spoke highly of him even when Thiago was in charge of the PSG U19 team. He accomplished an extraordinary feat with Bologna. He not only developed talents like Zirkzee and Calafiori but also brought the team to the Champions League after 60 years. He showed everyone his modern football. He didn’t park the bus to obtain results at all costs. Results always arrive through the playing style.”
New Juventus signing Khephren Thuram played 26 games under the Swiss coach at Nice, so what’s his view of the French midfielder? Can Thuram be the next Patrick Vieira for the Bianconeri?
“I would be very cautious with comparisons, especially when it comes to one of the best midfielders of his generation,” warned Favre.
“Vieira is a World Cup champion and European champion with France. Leave Thuram calm at Juventus without creating high expectations.”
Todibo, a former Thuram teammate at Nice, is also on Juventus’ radar, but the latest reports claim that Nice has accepted an offer from West Ham.
“I was impressed by his pace, but he must be more focused and aerial duels are not his strength,” noted Todibo’s ex-coach.
“He was a great prospect at Toulouse. When Barcelona signed Todibo, he didn’t play much, but he performed at high levels at Nice again. He still lacks something to be a complete player. However, he can still make a step forward despite being 24 already, a year older than Thuram.”
Juventus have also been linked with Sancho and Karim Adeyemi. Would they fit in well at the Allianz Stadium? Favre certainly thinks so.
“Sancho is undoubtedly a top player. I remember when he continued working on the pitch after finishing training sessions at Borussia Dortmund. He wanted to improve in everything. Shooting, passing, crosses. It was a pleasure to see him during those extra 20 minutes on the pitch.
“I’ve heard that there have been problems, big problems, between him and ten Hag. When somebody like Sancho, with his strong commitment, arrives late for training sessions, it means that somebody is not working properly.
“Adeyemi joined Dortmund two years ago when I was on my way to Nice. He showed his worth in the latest Champions League Final when he sprinted past the best right-back in activity, Carvajal, who is among the Ballon d’Or candidates,” Favre concluded.