Pirlo: “We are angry.”

After Sunday’s defeat to Milan, Andrea Pirlo is hoping for an immediate reaction from his players against Sassuolo. The outcome of the fixture will be crucial in the team’s chase for a Champions League spot, and Pirlo believes that a “test of collective pride is needed."

Here’s what he had to say:

RUNNING EMOTIONS

I don’t have any fear, I only think about the good of Juventus, which comes first and foremost, for the players and coaches. There is a lot of energy within me and us. We are angry. We have a duty to believe in it, because we are Juventus and we cannot resign ourselves to this classification.

WHAT’S NEEDED TOMORROW

I don't want to see resignation tomorrow; we are a point behind the Champions League zone and we have three games remaining. Football teaches that anything can happen, so great positivity is needed. A test of collective pride is needed tomorrow, regardless of who will play. We have to honour this jersey; we can't afford performances like Sunday's."

OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME

In recent months our way of training has changed often - for many reasons, including injuries and Covid. We've adapted to all circumstances. Our goal is to prove that we deserve the Champions League, and we can only do it with positive results; after the defeat against Milan there was disappointment, but our objective does not change, we have a duty to believe in it.

PLAYER UPDATES

Cristiano has played many games this year and has scored a lot. Today we will decide what to do, tomorrow is a delicate match and I hope to have everyone available. Both Danilo and Arthur are fine, tomorrow they could start from the beginning.