Interview by Valentino Della Casa
He had tears in his eyes when Sky interviewed him, it was April of 2020, Juventus was just a remote possibility. It was there but there was also nothing concrete. Federido Chiesa got emotional, he thanked Sousa multiple times thinking back to his debut as a professional. Sousa, a former Juventus player, gave Chiesa his debut at Fiorentina on August 20th 2016, against the bianconeri, the team that bought him on the last day of the transfer window.
Then the national team, Chiesa's first day as a Juventus player took place there. In an exclusive interview with GianlucaDiMarzio.com, Sousa discussed his relationship with Chiesa:"We haven't written to each other, it's not needed between us, he and all the other players know that it isn't messages that keep people close. I will always be there for them. Federico was already ready, you could see it right away, he has a significant family that always sustained him, and he wanted to reach his goal. What he did was never enough, not during the match, but especially during practices"
It was the summer of 2016, Chiesa joins Fiorentina's senior squad retreat, Sousa explained:"I was clear with the directors, Federico could not leave. I had to fight to make it happen. Usually young players are loaned out, but sometimes it's also right to launch them. They gain confidence in their ability, especially if they have them. I was also convinced he had the personality would make a difference, that sooner or later he would've been the captain"
Sousa discussed what Chiesa needs to work on to succeed at Juventus:"I would suggest he remain always focused, also outside of the pitch. Mind and body always training, with a clear target in mind. He has all the tools to succeed". What role could Chiesa play for Pirlo:"If I think of a 4 3 3, Federico can play anywhere from midfield and up. On the attack he can cover three roles, but I would see him well as a midfielder, besides a registra. On a three man defense, we must see the mechanism with Ronaldo, the formation. Players in his category can be divided in two categories: those who stay on the wings and those who go through the middle. I think it's easier to play on the wings: you have less things to think about, while in the middle you must look around and execute quickly. Federido has all these tools, he must realize it"
Finally Sousa was asked if he ever thought of coaching Juventus:"I won't hide it, everyone knows my goal is to sit on the bench of a team of that caliber. I want to realize my dreams. Am I ready? Yes, and I have a high caliber staff, I want to get to the top"
