Toulouse President Damien Comolli, linked with Juventus.
New Juventus General Manager Damien Comolli says he will hire two more directors and talk to Dusan Vlahovic, while Randal Kolo Muani may remain in Turin beyond the Club World Cup.
Comolli held his first press conference as the new Juventus General Manager on Tuesday, explaining his approach at the Allianz Stadium.
Firstly, he confirmed Igor Tudor would remain in charge of the Bianconeri for the 2025-26 campaign.
“I am pleased to be here; it is a privilege to be the General Manager of one of the world’s biggest clubs,” Comolli said.
“I grew up watching this club for various reasons, and I’ve been attracted to the winning organisations. Juve have always been a model. I used to go to the Delle Alpi as a scout, and I appreciate Juventus’ culture.”
Comolli explains Juventus organisational change
Club legend Giorgio Chiellini has been promoted as the Director of Football Strategy, but Comolli aims to hire two more executives, one sporting director and one technical director.
“I spoke about what his [Chiellini’s] role will be,” said Comolli.
“We will work closely on various aspects of the club, both technical and commercial. We were part of the same committee at UEFA and he will represent us with Lega Calcio and UEFA.
“I am passionate about the youth sector, and we will move from one area to another, and we have worked well together. We created a committee for football strategy that will discuss the youth and first team. Giorgio will be part of this. He will not handle transfers or training.
“I would like to hire a sporting director who will handle transfers and management, be involved in the transfer market, and focus on the youth sector, reporting directly to me,” Comolli continued.
“I have a person in mind, it is a process, but we don’t want to rush. Once the structure is decided, we will also determine the personnel.
“We will also have a technical director, also reporting to me.”
Comolli added he was looking for “Two high-profile roles.”
“There is a process we need to carry out. I believe we will do it before the next transfer window [July 1], but we don’t want to rush.”
Comolli on Vlahovic and Kolo Muani
Comolli also confirmed Kolo Muani would remain at Juventus for the Club World Cup.
“We have an agreement with PSG to extend Kolo Muani’s loan. I spoke with the player last week. He has decided to play the Club World Cup and he will stay,” said the Juventus director.
“We spoke with PSG and I am optimistic about reaching an agreement for the entire season. PSG have not closed the door on the loan, and a player is inclined to stay.”
On the other hand, Vlahovic is under contract until 2026 and has been tipped to leave in the summer.
“I spoke with Dusan last week. The player should return shortly, and I want to talk to him [again] to understand what he has in mind,” Comolli explained.
“He is a top player, but something didn’t work. I realise it’s not enough, I don’t know who is to blame. I have to talk to the player and understand, there’s no doubt he’s a top player. We need to understand what his intentions are.”
Comolli has been using data to develop his work in football over the years and his approach won’t change.
“The first time I met the ownership, I was asked what I wanted to achieve. I said I wanted to win. I can’t guarantee we’ll win, but I can guarantee that I’ll do everything possible to win,” he explained.
“When you look at the Juventus jersey, the only way is to try to win. It will be my obsession and this is already part of the club’s culture.
Comolli on Moneyball and transfers
“It is part of my career, I have been working with data for 25 years. I have always thought that when people turn to me, they expect me to bring my experience. I believe it is the same at Juventus. We are paid to create emotions; at the same time, as decision-makers, we must be guided by emotions, but remain rational. On August 1, 2025, it will be my 33rd year in football, and I’ve never encountered a more logical approach than the use of data.
“My frustration was seeing many bad scouting decisions. I wondered: how can we be more precise? The Moneyball principle was very useful and can help in the market. My obsession is with improving, and to do that, you need a competitive advantage; for that, I utilise data.”
Lastly, Comolli was asked about details regarding the summer transfer strategy, but he was more reluctant to provide an exhaustive response.
“I’m very open, but there is one thing I’m not open about, and it’s transfers. I tend to be more reserved on this,” he concluded.
“We discussed with the coach, Giorgio and Maurizio. We have an idea; we are considering Igor’s approach. What I can say is that surely adjustments need to be made, but not radical changes.”
