22 February 2016
Massimiliano Allegri says his charges are ready to go toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich in tomorrow night’s Champions League last 16 first-leg clash at Juventus Stadium.
The Bianconeri boss is confident his young guns are up to the task of stopping the reigning Bundesliga champions in their tracks, insisting both teams have a 50-50 chance of progressing through to the competition’s final eight.
Speaking to the media at Juventus Stadium, he began: “It’s a last 16 tie against a first-rate outfit. We’ve deserved to get this far and we’ve got plenty of desire to give everything we’ve got to keep progressing. When the first whistle shrills it will be 0-0 and both sides have equal chances of going through. It will be a great game and we’re ready for it.”
The Tuscan tactician, who confirmed that Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira will both start the encounter, claims a clean sheet would be a magnificent result for his charges, although was quick to admit that he is expecting the Juventus Stadium net to bulge on several occasions tomorrow night.
“We need to rid them of possession and keep the ball as much as we possibly can. Keeping a clean sheet would be ideal, as it would allow us to go to Munich and play for qualification with two decent results at our disposal. I am however convinced that we’ll be in for plenty of goals tomorrow night.”
Tomorrow will see Allegri once again pit his wits against Pep Guardiola in the Champions League, after the two went head-to-head on four separate occasions whilst managing Milan and Barcelona respectively.
The Juventus supremo spoke glowingly of his opposite number, revealing admiration for Guardiola’s seamless transition from the blue of Barcelona in Catalonia to the red of Bayern in Bavaria.
He added: “Guardiola’s a fine boss and has brought his concepts from Barcelona to Bayern, albeit with different players. Before he had world-class players like Messi, now he’s got other top talents at his disposal.”
