07 December 2021
Juventus Women are involved in midweek UEFA Women’s Champions League action, as they prepare for a tough away fixture against last season’s continental finalists Chelsea.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s match-up in London, kicking off at 21h00 CET, coach Joe Montemurro and Cristiana Girelli spoke to those gathered for the pre-match press conference.
JOE MONTEMURRO
THE MATCH
"The team is very fired up for this match. The Champions League is another level and we are as ready as can be. We had some difficulties after the national team break, but the team is ready.
"We know we cannot make mistakes either tactically or technically and we have worked on this, but I want the same attitude shown at the Allianz Stadium.
"I want the girls to enjoy the game knowing that they are living an important moment in their career.
“I don't do calculations, I just want to make sure the girls are ready. We know we are not favourites, we are growing and a great challenge awaits us.
"We will try to surprise Chelsea, but we know that winning these matches is very difficult. I want to see constant improvement and I know that the girls will represent the team in the best possible way. Tomorrow we will try."
LONDON RETURN
"Coming back to London is exciting. With Arsenal I experienced some great matches here and I know this field well. I was waiting for this match, I can't wait to start the match tomorrow and I'm happy to be here with Juve."
LOOKING AHEAD
"I always believe in the possibility of moving forward. I believe in the girls and in our work. The performances we have done tell us that the path is right, we have made an important leap, now we understand how to continue growing."
CRISTIANA GIRELLI
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM
"The victories have helped in giving us enthusiasm, all while working on our awareness. Now we are here to play this beautiful match and I hope we will have the same awareness that we had in the last few matches."
"This is an intense period, but it's nice to be able to play a lot and give continuity to our performances.
"All the European matches played so far have been like a final, perhaps the match against Wolfsburg was the most important, but tomorrow can be fundamental.
“Getting a result here would mean writing history and above all it would be crucial for qualification."
MONTEMURRO IMPACT
"Personally, I have to thank coach Joe Montemurro for the trust, and the team for putting me in the best possible conditions to perform at my best.
“When the group was drawn, we knew it would be difficult, but we believed and this is the trend that has tied these matches together. Many did not expect this, but within us there was a great desire to try.
"The coach's philosophy is new, but we are all intelligent girls and we give everything in training. This, combined with the coach's ability to reassure us, made it possible to acquire the concepts in the shortest possible time."
PERSONAL TARGETS
“50 games in Europe? It's a goal that makes me happy. We know that in the Champions League you can't afford to make mistakes or have a drop in concentration. We must always remember that in these matches it is essential to be perfect.
“Compared to what I have done, there is still a lot to do. I want to improve myself day after day to reach the highest levels. At club level, I don't hide it, the dream would be to play in the Champions League final.”
