17 October 2016
A crucial match in Juventus’ Champions League campaign also represents a very special one for a certain Miralem Pjanic, who played for three seasons at Olympique Lyonnais between 2008 and 2011.
The Bosnian midfielder it was to preview his new side’s clash against his former employers. Here follow his standout quotations from today’s press conference in France.
Growing up with Les Gones
“I’ve developed my game a lot since playing here and I now feel a lot more mature as a footballer, but Lyon is where I passed three fantastic years in what was a very important stage of my career.”
Three points the priority
“Our double-header against Lyon is especially important because it represents the midway point in this group stage and a team’s chance of qualification can hinge on these games.
“Nevertheless, we’re preparing as best as possible for tomorrow. It’s essential that we attain a positive result to boost our chances of getting out of the group and I’m convinced that we can do just that.”
French threat
“In Nabil Fekir and Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon have two top forwards, who can put the opposition under great pressure, but we’ll look to be even more dangerous than them.
“It’s true that Lyon are going through a tricky spell, but I know the players and the coach. In general, these difficult periods don’t last too long and we know that tomorrow’s won’t be an easy match. We need to give our all in order to qualify for the last 16.”
Set-piece strategy
“Paulo (Dybala) takes set-pieces very well and if we’re awarded free-kicks, first of all we’ll see from which side of the pitch. We’ll decide between us then and there. What’s important is that we’ve strong free-kick takers who can score to benefit the team as a whole.”
Buffon simply the best
“Gigi (Buffon) is our captain. I don’t believe that he’s going through a bad run. He remains the number one goalkeeper in the world. Every career has its highs and lows and tomorrow he’ll will show us all yet again that he is the best in the business.”
