Jesse Marsch is the national coach of the Juventus striker, who was released against Sassuolo after 135 days: “He is happy in Italy and wants to stay”
Coach Marsch, did you breathe a sigh of relief after “your” David’s goal against Sassuolo?
“I know Jonathan well and I wasn’t worried after the missed penalty against Lecce and the many controversies: it happens to everyone. I had seen him live in Pisa and we talk often: I was sure that the goal would come soon. I wasn’t even surprised by the beautiful embrace from his teammates and Spalletti after his goal the other evening.”
“Because Juventus is a great team and these are the attitudes of big names. David is happy at Juventus and even in the hardest moments he always told me that he wants to stay in Turin”.
What do you expect from David after the goal against Sassuolo?
“Now Jonathan will never stop and will score a lot. He just needed a period of adaptation. I said it and I repeat it. I am David’s coach in Canada, but in my time at Salzburg I coached Haaland and at Leipzig I had AC Milan player Nkunku and other great strikers. After Erling, who is a monster, David is the best striker I have worked with. He has always scored and will do so even in a tournament with less space like Serie A. Nkunku is less of a goalscorer, but he has a lot of quality and I’m happy that Milan are trusting him.”
Since Vlahovic was injured, Spalletti has been alternating between David and Openda: how do you see the relay in attack?
“Spalletti is a top coach and the next time I come to Italy I hope to go to Continassa to see the Bianconeri train. Competition is a stimulus and is normal in big teams. Spalletti is valorising David and all of Juventus.”
If coach Gattuso’s Italy gets through the play-offs, he will be in the group with his Canada at the World Cup…
“I have a home in Tuscany and a soft spot for your football, my favorite player was Albertini. I hope to see you again in the United States and I really hope to also see Gnonto, who I coached at Leeds.”
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