Former Juventus and Argentina forward Carlos Tevez has urged the Italian Football Federation to build its future around a partnership between Antonio Conte and Paolo Maldini, offering blunt criticism of several high-profile managers in the process.
Tevez Endorses Conte-Maldini Partnership
Speaking to Italian media including La Repubblica following Argentina’s recent match, Tevez expressed firm views on the Azzurri’s search for a new head coach and technical director. The FIGC is currently restructuring after failing to qualify for the World Cup, with Milan legend Maldini linked to the director role and Conte among the candidates for the dugout.
Tevez, who played under Conte at Juventus during the 2013-14 season, left no doubt about his preferred choice. “What a question: Antonio Conte for life. Only he can get you out of this situation,” he stated. He described the former Chelsea and Inter boss as “the best coach I’ve ever had” and insisted Conte would deliver results immediately. “Put Conte in charge of the national team, and he will know how to get something out of them,” he added.
The Argentine also strongly backed Maldini for the technical director position, praising his previous work at AC Milan. “In that role, he’s the best, just look at what he did at Milan. I met him in person, and he is really sharp. If you managed the Conte-Maldini pairing, you’d be set,” Tevez said.
Criticism of Allegri and Spalletti
Tevez did not spare his former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri from criticism, despite acknowledging their positive working relationship. “He [Allegri] is also very good. I got along well with him, but it’s true, I sometimes accused him of being too defensive,” the former striker admitted.
He was even more pointed regarding current Italy boss Luciano Spalletti, dismissing him with a stark comparison to Conte. “Spalletti doesn’t have blood. Conte has blood, and I like people who have blood,” Tevez remarked.
Juventus Champions League Failure
Tevez also addressed his former club Juventus, reacting to their failure to qualify for the Champions League. “They didn’t qualify for the Champions League, what a disaster! They’ll have to rebuild again,” he commented.