02 April 2015
Patrice Evra says Juventus will have their foot firmly pressed down on the accelerator during the final stages of this 2014/15 campaign, claiming any other approach could threaten to undo all the team’s hard work put in so far.
Speaking to Sky, the 33-year-old began: “We be giving it absolutely everything we’ve got, because a less than impressive performance could allow doubts to creep in. And we don’t want that at all.
“We mustn’t get carried away, praise means nothing as it stands. What’s been done up until this point is merely laying the foundations for success. This is a crucial moment of our season and we can’t afford to put a foot wrong.”
After representing his native France during the international break, the defender is back in training and raring to throw himself into the exciting climax of Juventus’ campaign, starting with Saturday’s visit of Empoli.
Since returning to the top flight, the Azzurri have won plenty of admirers for their enterprising displays, and Evra predicts he and his team-mates will be in for a stern test this weekend.
“It’s a very difficult game. Empoli are a well-organised team playing decent stuff under Sarri. All games are tough because Italian teams are well prepared. It’s our aim to wrap up the league as soon as possible, beating both Empoli and Parma.”
Six points from both Serie A encounters would set the Bianconeri up nicely for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Monaco, to be played on Tuesday 14 April.
But while confidence could be sky high at that point in Turin, Evra explained how his own playing experience in the principality means he will not be underestimating his former side at any costs.
“Monaco haven’t got this far by chance and as far as I’m concerned there’s no difference between facing them, Bayern, Real or Barcelona. When I played for Monaco we were pitted against Real. They won the first leg 4-2, but we took the return 3-1 and went through.
“I’ll face the game as if we were the underdogs, because that’s the best way to find the right mentality, self sacrifice and fight on the pitch. Any other approach would put us at risk of going out.”
