In the early years of Juventus, the concept of a “coach” was very different from what modern football understands today. Founded in 1897 by a group of students in Turin, Juventus began as an amateur club where leadership came mainly from senior players and club officials rather than a dedicated, full-time manager. These formative years laid the foundation for the club’s identity, discipline, and long-term success.During Juventus’s first decade, football in Italy was still developing, and tactical organization was basic. Training sessions were informal, and teams relied heavily on individual skill and physical endurance. Early “coaches” were often player-coaches, captains, or experienced figures who helped organize the team. There was no strict separation between management and playing roles, which was typical of European football at the turn of the 20th century.MM88 One of the most significant early figures associated with Juventus’s coaching development was Vittorio Pozzo. Although he became more influential slightly later, Pozzo is often regarded as one of the first true coaches in Juventus history. He took charge of the team in 1912, at a time when Juventus was transitioning from an amateur club to a more structured organization. Pozzo brought a more scientific and disciplined approach to training, emphasizing teamwork, positional awareness, and physical preparation—ideas that were advanced for Italian football at the time.Pozzo’s influence extended beyond tactics. He helped instill a professional mentality at Juventus, stressing organization, respect for the club, and a strong collective identity. Although Juventus did not dominate Italian football during his tenure, the foundations he helped build were crucial for the club’s later rise. His work at Juventus also prepared him for his legendary role with the Italian national team, which he later led to two World Cup victories in 1934 and 1938.In the broader context of Juventus’s early years, coaching was closely tied to the club’s evolving structure. The arrival of more experienced coaches and the gradual adoption of modern training methods mirrored the growth of Italian football itself. Juventus’s leadership recognized early on that organization and discipline were as important as talent—a philosophy that would later become synonymous with the club.The early Juventus coaches may not be as famous as the club’s later legends, but their contribution was fundamental. They transformed a group of enthusiastic young players into a competitive team with a clear identity. By emphasizing structure, unity, and continuous improvement, these early coaching figures helped shape Juventus into a club capable of long-term success.In retrospect, the early years of Juventus coaching represent a crucial learning phase—one that set the tone for the club’s enduring reputation for professionalism, resilience, and tactical intelligence.

Ver todos los episodios