11 December 2016
Miralem Pjanic may not have started today's game but he certainly produced a telling contribution in coming off the bench and scoring the goal for 3-1 that ensured Juventus went home with the points.
"I had a slight muscle injury after the game against Dinamo Zagreb," the Bosnian playmaker revealed. "I spent a couple of days in recovery and we agreed with the coach that I wouldn't start today. It was all planned and I did what I had to for the team."
Juventus had to come back from behind to win a stirring Turin Derby this afternoon.
"It's never easy to come back from behind in games like these," Pjanic added. "We showed great strength and the team was patient right until the end against a tough opponent. They're in a good run of form and the pitch didn't allow for fluid football.
"We've won a massive game, the derby, and we're delighted for ourselves and for the fans. We'll take these three points and continue down this road."
Pjanic's goal was his latest from attacking midfield and he's relishing the freedom the position affords him: "I'm able to venture further forward from attacking midfield and get closer to the goal, so it's easier to score.
"Dybala laid on a couple of beautiful balls today, first to Higuain and then to me. There are so many top-quality players in the Bianconeri attack, like Mandzukic for example who played fantastically despite the fact he didn't score. We all play for the team; this is one of our strengths."
Next Saturday, Roma come to town for the last home game of 2016: "I've got many friends among the Giallorossi: I spent five wonderful years at that club and they're a top side with an excellent coach. Obviously, I'm set on winning the game however. We want to wrap up the year in good fashion against Roma and in the Super Cup in Doha."
