Fernando Llorente says Antonio Conte will return to Juventus

Fernando Llorente Backs Antonio Conte for Juventus Return

In a detailed interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport covering Juventus’s upcoming fixtures, former striker Fernando Llorente argued that former manager Antonio Conte will eventually return to the Turin club. While Italian media reports have recently linked the out-of-work manager to Manchester United, Llorente expressed absolute certainty that Conte’s ultimate destination is his former club, describing him as the ideal coach for Juventus and ranking him alongside Carlo Ancelotti as the best he ever played under.

Llorente played for Juventus between 2013 and 2015, operating under Conte during a period of domestic dominance. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spanish forward stated that someone else is falling asleep thinking about how to improve Juventus. Sooner or later he’ll return home; he’s the ideal coach for Juventus, Llorente said, adding that Conte remains focused on top-tier competition while currently unattached.

Manchester United Links and Managerial Pressure

Speculation surrounding Conte’s next move has intensified since his departure from Napoli in the summer. Reports in Italy initially suggested the Italian manager was closing in on a role at Manchester United.

Llorente contrasted the Old Trafford rumors with his belief in Conte’s enduring bond with Juventus. While Manchester United presents a wanted opportunity, Llorente maintained that Conte’s future lies with Juventus, leaving Luciano Spalletti to manage expectations and fight for the top spots in the league and the Europa League.

Assessing Juventus Squad Needs and European Ambitions

Shifting focus to the current Juventus squad, Llorente evaluated the club’s attacking options in his Gazzetta dello Sport interview, noting that current forward Randal Kolo Muani shares similarities with past attacking partnerships. Llorente recalled playing alongside Carlos Tevez during his own stint in Turin, emphasizing that modern strikers benefit greatly from having an established partner on the pitch.

Commenting on Kolo Muani and teammate Nick Woltemade, Llorente expressed confidence that the French forward can reach the 20-goal mark this season despite a slow start. He noted that Woltemade must utilize his physical stature more effectively to hold up the ball and win duels, pointing out that consistent goalscoring remains the absolute baseline for any team competing for major trophies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Fernando Llorente play for Juventus?

Fernando Llorente played as a striker for Juventus from 2013 to 2015, winning multiple Serie A titles during his time in Turin.

Which clubs have recently been linked with Antonio Conte?

Antonio Conte has been linked with vacancies at Manchester United and a potential return to Juventus following his departure from Napoli in the summer.

What did Fernando Llorente say about Randal Kolo Muani?

In his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Llorente stated that Kolo Muani can reach 20 goals this season now that he has started scoring in the league, adding that goals provide the essential confidence required for a top-tier striker.