«We found ourselves in the perfect storm: after 6 positive years it was decided to take the last step of growth for international affirmation, but as soon as the capital increase was completed we entered the pandemic. Suddenly we got stuck and those resources were used to make up for the losses. Now this 400 million euro operation must give all of us a deep sense of responsibility for how the resources will be used ». Andrea Agnelli does not hide the delicacy of the moment on the day when the new cycle begins with new managers.
President Agnelli, why did you choose Maurizio Arrivabene as the new CEO of the football area and Federico Cherubini as the sporting director?
«Maurizio Arrivabene with his skills will be able to integrate well with Federico and Pavel Nedved. Presenting Arrivabene is an understatement given his curriculum: he knows sports policy and will be able to bring professionalism and managerial skills to the sports area. Federico is a point of pride in the club because he is the first manager fully trained by Juventus and now he will have the responsibility of all the sporting side of Juventus. I’m sure this is the best team Juve can have in the sporting arena and beyond. Our hope is that from the 22/23 season we will be able to think about having emerged from the pandemic ».
You are sure to play in the Champions League …
«UEFA admits us with serenity to the next Champions League, but I remember on our part the desire for dialogue to tackle the problems of football and we are not afraid of the threats made in recent months. We are confident that legal action will lead to satisfactory results, but the real success will be when we return to having a dialogue for the good of all ».
Do you think that if a dialogue with UEFA will be opened, will Ceferin be on the other side?
«I have always had an excellent relationship with Ceferin and I continue to respect him as a person. Having said that, when you work in the business world you know that certain things cannot be said when signing an agreement, with the immediate resignation from my positions I believe I have behaved in the best way. Alex remains a person I respect and is my daughter’s godfather, over time I think we can heal the relationship ».
What are your goals for next season?
«Back to where we started with discipline and order in the management of financial parameters. So as in the 2013-19 cycle with positive turnover trying to replicate the sporting result as in that historical moment ».
Where can we improve for the future?
“Off the pitch we have worked a lot, we are equipping ourselves with people who are not from the football industry which in my opinion is a healthier thing for clubs. It takes a fresh mentality to think about artificial intelligence, digital platforms and sponsorships which remain a main pillar ».
Can Ronaldo extend the contract to make him pay even more?
«It was one of the first operations with work from multiple areas involved. Operation that to date presents positive data, then we will make all the evaluations ».