29 September 2014
Claudio Marchisio says Juventus are determined to continue their bright start to this season’s Champions League campaign by claiming a positive result against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night at the Calderon.
The midfielder believes lessons have been learned from previous European failings but admits Olympiacos’ opening day result against last year’s finalists means there could be plenty of additional twists and turns before qualification is decided.
Speaking exclusively to Sky, Marchisio began: “We haven’t been able to make the step up in Europe over the last three years. We started well in our first game at home, where in previous seasons we missed important opportunities.
“Now we’ve got a tricky game in Madrid. We need to also try and pick up a result there because we’d gain a lot of confidence from beating a great team like Atletico.
“Opening up a six-point gap on them would represent a big step forward towards qualification, even though the result in Athens showed us there are no easy games in this group and that Olympiacos are also capable of giving us a run for our money.”
The academy graduate has earned rave reviews whilst filling in for Andrea Pirlo at the heart of midfield during the Bianconeri’s imperious start to the campaign.
One key factor behind his solid performances is the influence of Massimiliano Allegri, whose trust and belief have enabled him to flourish in an uncustomary role.
“I feel the boss has confidence in me. That’s important because it enables me to be calm and be ready for any position I’m asked to fill. I already operated as the team’s playmaker in the Europa League and Serie A last year and now, game by game, I feel even more at ease. Even if I personally consider myself an inside midfielder, I’m always willing to play in other positions.”
