12 September 2015
One of three home debutants in the Massimiliano Allegri’s starting eleven, deadline day arrival Hernanes put this evening’s result against a plucky Chievo side down to a lack of cutting edge in the final third and underlined the importance of converting chances when they come.
He began: “Naturally, we’re disappointed with the result as we came here today wanting all three points. We gave everything over the 90 minutes but we just weren’t ruthless enough to make the game our own. We’ve got another big game against Manchester City next Tuesday and we know we need to rediscover our scoring touch as soon as possible.”
Starting just behind strikers Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata at the tip of Juventus’ midfield diamond before being employed in a deeper role following the withdrawal of Claudio Marchisio, the Brazilian added that he enjoyed his first run out as a Bianconero.
“They pushed forwards on occasions to begin with and that gave me a bit of space between the lines to play my natural game. Then the contest closed up a bit and I played from a more withdrawn role after Marchisio came off. I felt I settled in nicely there, it’s a position I’ve played before.”
When asked about his relative experience compared to his younger team-mates, Juventus’ new number eleven concluded that being the older head in midfield is a responsibility to cherish.
"Do I feel l can lead the side from midfield? Absolutely, there are some very talented guys in there for us but they are still young. I feel the strongest part of my game is my mental strength and overall it was the mental side of the encounter that wasn’t sharp enough for us today.”
