26 September 2016
As the old adage goes, there are no easy games in football – a sentiment that was shared by Giorgio Chiellini with the defender warning against taking tomorrow’s opponents Dinamo Zagreb at all lightly, as the Bianconeri seek a maiden victory in this season’s Champions League.
Here are Chiellini’s standout quotes from today’s press conference at the Maksimir Stadion:
The danger of Dinamo
“We know that Dinamo are a highly talented and technically gifted team. I and any other players of similar experience can tell you without any doubt that all Champions League trips are extremely difficult. We can expect our opponents to play at a high tempo tomorrow to put us under pressure, but we’ve obviously come here to win the match.”
Looking long term
“The result is always what matters most and in the short term it’s possible that you can put in below-par performances, but in the long run it’s the daily improvement in style of play that leads to the ultimate outcome in competitions. We’re working constantly to raise our game.”
Points all-important
“In my opinion, this is a pretty even group. Sevilla and Lyon are two excellent sides and I think it’s a bit premature to be talking about points totals required for reaching the knockout stages. We know that, after drawing our Champions League opener this term, victory tomorrow is vital.”
Squad in good shape
“We’ve been lucky enough to be able to rest all of the defenders lately. We’ve just two games left until the next round of international fixtures, after which almost everybody should be available again.
“We’re flexible in that we can play with three, four or five men at the back. The formation doesn’t matter so much. In football everything is relative. What’s more important is how you interpret your role on the pitch.”
