In the first of two exclusive Masterclass features with The Coaches’ Voice, one-time Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Paulo Sousa gives his recollections into the many decorated teammates who featured alongside him when Juventus beat Ajax in the final of the 1996 Champions League.
The retired Portugal international, a prominent member of his country’s “golden generation”, reveals what Didier Deschamps and Antonio Conte – who have since gone on to establish themselves among the world’s leading managers – brought either side of him in midfield, and how Gianluca Vialli, another future manager and Sousa’s neighbour in Turin, would visit Sousa to debate tactics and plans.
He also reflects on some of the lesser-known details about one of the greatest nights of his career – a final between two great teams.