18 February 2017
Three pleasing points vs Palermo
“It’s always important to pick up maximum points at home. Winning all of our matches at the Stadium would definitely boost our Scudetto credentials. We’re aiming big this season, we’re on song at the minute and we need to keep up the good work.”
Great to get back on the pitch
“Yesterday I had the chance to play and help the team win which was very pleasing. I’m feeling in good shape because I also featured four times for Morocco within the space of just over a fortnight in the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Before that, my last league game was the defeat at Genoa. After matches like those, any player would be chomping at the bit to get back out on the field and put right the wrongs after three or seven days. I’ve had to wait three months, which was a pity, but I respect the manager’s decisions which have been correct as the team keeps winning.
“Whoever plays always does well, which is a great quality of this side. Individual situations are less important. All I can do is get my head down, work hard and take full advantage of the opportunities that come my way.”
Porto test up next
“There’s no such thing as an easy game in the Champions League and Porto are used to pitting their wits at this level. We know it’ll be tough at the Dragao, but one of our objectives is to go all the way in this competition and in order to do so we need to be up to the task in matches such as this one.
“When I came up against the Bianconeri with Bayern Munich last season, we were certainly wary of the danger Juve posed, as Italian teams always make for tough opponents. At the Allianz Arena, they played a great game, starting very strongly, but we responded well in the end.”
Season’s objectives
“To play as much as possible, do a good job and stay clear of injuries. My future? Juventus!”
