21 January 2017
Refocusing after Fiorentina
“A team doesn't lose its quality just because it loses a game. We need to keep our heads and remain focused.
“I’ve always said that the title race is never over until it’s over and history shows that the Scudetto is never normally won with more than two or three matches left at the end of the season.
“What’s important is that we’re consistent over the course of the campaign. Right now, we’re top of the league with a game in hand, while we’re also in the last 16 of the Champions League and quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.
“Nothing should be taken for granted in Serie A. We need to go out each time and show why we’re the best. Meanwhile, if we want to go far in the Champions League this term, we must improve our quality of play too.”
A close encounter coming up
“Tomorrow’s will be a tough and evenly matched contest against a very well organised Lazio side. My compliments go to their manager, Simone Inzaghi, who is doing a great job.
“However, we’re up to the challenge and raring to go in our pursuit of three important points.”
Team news for tomorrow
“Claudio Marchisio will be rested against Lazio, as he has a slight muscle strain but it’s nothing serious and he’ll be available again for selection for the Milan match on Wednesday.
“I’ll field a four-man defence tomorrow: Stephan Lichtsteiner, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Kwadwo Asamoah. Dani Alves makes the squad too. He’s not in perfect shape yet, but he’s needed given Alex Sandro’s absence. He could play for around half an hour tomorrow.
“I still need to decide whether to go with three in midfield and another three in attack and where Miralem Pjanic will play. Hernanes is an option in front of the backline and Marko Pjaca is in line to feature too.
“Up front I’ve Mario Mandzukic, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado all vying for starting berths.”
300th Serie A match as manager
“It’s a milestone that I’m pleased to be reaching. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked with me from the very start of my managerial career, including of course my colleagues here at Juventus. I hope I’ll be able to coach another 300 matches after tomorrow.”
