THE INTERVIEW
On Sunday Rolando Mandragora will return to Friuli as an opponent and with the Torino captain’s armband on his arm after leaving Udinese just a year ago, at the end of the winter transfer market, but before taking the field he chose to greet the fans in advance Friulian through the Messaggero Veneto, thus recalling the 74 games played in two and a half years for Juventus.
Mandragora, after the match played behind closed doors in April, this time there will be the fans for his return …
«It will be wonderful to meet everyone again, and seeing the friends I have in Friuli will make me happy. Udine has given me a lot as a man and as a player, and I can only remember all the people with affection, thanking them for what they gave me ».
What about thinking back to his seasons in black and white?
«Two years, two important steps of growth, indeed I would say fundamental for the construction of my career».
Memories?
«Many, objectively. I was well received and treated well, both me and my family, while the best moments on the pitch were linked to the results. Whenever my team-mates and I managed to bring home the fundamental points for achieving the goals set at the beginning of the season ».
However, not everything always went smoothly …
“The most difficult moment for me, of course, was that of the knee injury, but even at that juncture everyone was close to me, from the club to the teammates to the fans, as well as my family and my entourage who were central to overcoming everything”.
In the first leg Gotti was still sitting on the Juventus bench.
“I got on well with the coach, a person of great humanity and preparation to whom I wish the best”.
As the game approached, did your friends from Udine make themselves heard?
“Yes, that’s normal. As mentioned, I left many friends there, inside and outside football, and I like to take care of the relationship with them ».
What is your opinion on Udinese?
«It is an important club, an ideal place for a growing player, but also for establishing himself and becoming great. The story speaks for the club, and my special thanks goes obviously to the Pozzo family for everything they have done for me ».
In the first leg she was not injured, but in the last few days she regained her seat and captain’s armband, showing her character.
«I’m trying to find the right form, the rhythm of the match. The minutes I have available will help me more and more. As for injuries, I’m getting used to it now but, joking aside, it’s always hard for an athlete to recover from serious injuries, even if it’s part of the job. Now I don’t want to think about it anymore and I look forward ».
Taurus is growing up with Juric. Is the coach the secret of your good championship?
«The coach’s philosophy is that of work and attention to detail, two factors that allow you to improve and be truly competitive. The strength of the Bull lies in the group, in the compactness and concentration in the 95 minutes, I would say, all fundamental aspects to grow further ».
Brekalo is among the revelations of the season in the garnet jersey.
“True. He is a very good player and a good guy, but not only him I would say. There are also other guys who are proving they can grow and do well ».
As a captain of the Toro do you think you can win back the national team?
«I always say, the national team is important to me. For me, the Italian club is home and loved ones, but it must not be and represent a source of anxiety. Now I am totally focused on Turin, and if I do well the national team could become a consequence. Everything passes from my performances with Torino. Now I don’t think about it ».
What is your technical opinion on the championship?
“He is balanced and competitive as can also be seen from the standings, and in my opinion it will be a battle, even a tough one, in all areas of the standings until the last day”. –