28 September 2017
Andrea Barzagli hailed another fine Juventus display following victory against a stubborn Olympiacos side at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night.
“It was a tough game against a very physical side who defended well,” the defender said after the final whistle.
“We were a little slow in possession in the first half. We struggled to find a way through and were caught on the counter a couple of times.
“After the restart, we shifted the ball around much better and the game changed when Gonzalo came on. Once we got the opener we had the game where we wanted it.”
Higuain turned out to be the super-sub on the night, first making the breakthrough and then proving instrumental in the build-up to Juve's second, and Barzagli stressed that no one at the club was concerned about the Argentine's dip in form.
“We weren't worried at all because we know how good he is. It's not easy for a player like him – who's used to starting every game – when you suddenly find yourself on the bench two matches running, but he showed the right spirit when he came on and got the all-important first goal.
"He knows there's no need to worry at Juve. We were all delighted when he came on and scored.”
Wednesday's win followed an impressive 4-0 demolition of Torino at the weekend and the 36-year-old admitted the team have hit a bit of a purple patch.
“We've played well in our last few games. We're really hungry for success – we always are.
“It wasn't easy to start over again after a long, hard season like last year and the disappointment of the Champions League final, after years of winning trophies. It takes a huge mental effort. But we're playing with the right spirit, we're in good shape and we're very happy.
“The games are coming thick and fast and there's no time to rest. We have to keep going like this right through to the end of the season.”
