Julio Tous, Barcelona’s fitness coach, reflected on his long career in football during an interview with Sergio Levinsky. Tous spoke candidly about his time at various clubs, including Sampdoria, Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and the Italian national team, sharing memories, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
Tous expressed deep sadness over Sampdoria’s struggles, recalling fondly his time at the club and the people he worked with. He described the shock of seeing Sampdoria fall to Serie C and spoke of his connection to the team’s environment and community. He noted that his work at Sampdoria marked the beginning of a significant journey that later took him to Juventus and Inter Milan, following director Giuseppe Marotta. According to Tous, the working model they established at Sampdoria was later developed successfully at Juventus and Inter.
Reflecting on his time at Juventus, Tous recalled joining the club under intense pressure. Juventus had finished seventh two seasons in a row, and the expectations were immense. He said that first year, working with Antonio Conte, was one of the most demanding periods of his career. The pressure was constant, but the team’s success softened the strain. Juventus finished the season unbeaten, a rare achievement in Italian football. Tous described the celebrations after winning the Scudetto as unforgettable, with the streets of Turin filled with fans rejoicing after years without a major trophy.
Tous also highlighted how the team evolved during his time there. The club began a period of renewal, bringing in players like Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal, and Carlos Tevez, who helped deliver remarkable success, including a season with 102 points. He noted that while the pressure eased slightly after the first title, working with Conte always came with high expectations.
Tous shared his experience working at Chelsea, describing it as a wonderful period. He praised the club’s structure and the unique atmosphere of the Premier League, where matchdays felt like city-wide celebrations. He explained that Chelsea’s lack of European competition that season allowed the staff to focus fully on the league. With top players like Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and N’Golo Kanté, the team thrived, winning the Premier League with a significant lead and reaching the FA Cup final. Tous emphasized how crucial it was to have time for proper recovery and preparation, which contributed to the team’s success.
When discussing the Italian national team, Tous acknowledged its recent struggles, including missing two World Cups. However, he reminded that Italy were also recent European champions, and he saw their ups and downs as part of football’s natural cycles. He spoke highly of the 2006 World Cup-winning team, describing the players as exceptional both on and off the field.
Tous also offered his view of Antonio Conte, calling him one of the biggest winners he has ever met. He described Conte’s passion for football and winning as intense and sometimes difficult to handle, but ultimately a driving force behind his success. Tous admired Conte’s ability to achieve great results with teams that were not seen as favourites.
In speaking about himself, Tous said he remains driven by enthusiasm and a desire to keep learning. He compared his outlook to that of architects who continue designing into old age, explaining that having projects and ambitions is what gives life meaning. He described himself as a curious person who is always eager to grow and move forward despite the challenges he has faced.
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