12 December 2019
These are Mister Sarri’s and his players statements at the end of the win over Bayern Leverkusen
MAURIZIO SARRI
“I was very happy with how the team applied themselves and how they wanted to get the result. It was a dangerous game, from this point of view, and, instead, we were careful and intense. At times we made technical mistakes, in others, we did much better. The attacking trio? It wasn’t the moment to have them together in the first half, in the second half, large spaces were opened and, therefore, conditions were created to make them perform at their best. Now the best in Europe remain, and whoever meets us will be a team of great depth. For the draw, we have no preferences. From now on, we must be at the top of our game; if you miss a step you risk going out. Now it is important for us to play a little less. We can work, recover the injured players, and progress. Champions League favourites? If I have to respond, Manchester City.
“It is clear that Ronaldo is a superior player, he won the Ballon d’Or five times. But this is not enough to win always, and in any case, we must put him in a position to make the best of it. Demiral? They all had a good game at the back; Merih is aggressive, explosive and fast, and he gave signs of safety and physical dominance. But then again, the backline did very well, and it's something that gives me great satisfaction. Buffon played well, in the first half he was called into action, giving a sense of security.”
GONZALO HIGUAIN
“It was a difficult game because they played for qualification. We were in trouble in the first half, but in the second we played a good game, with a different attitude. Winning helps one to work better and with more peace of mind. We didn’t lose in the Champions League group stage, and we are happy, but now we have to prepare for Sunday's match against Udinese.”
DANILO
"It was important to win today. We have come here to achieve success. The difference in concentration compared to the league? Perhaps it happened, but it must not be repeated. We mustn’t think about the competition or the classification, but only a single match at a time.”
PAULO DYBALA
“I am happy for my assists, to help my teammates score is always nice. Even those who usually play less had a great game today, and we have noticed that we are a great group and a great team. This victory is important to give us solidity in the Champions League. Now let’s concentrate on the league, starting with the Udinese match, where we need to return to first place. The attacking trio? We still have work to do, but today with Cristiano and Gonzalo went well. Fortunately, I did help both, so they are all happy…”
BUFFON GIANLUIGI
“It was a thrill to play a Champions League match with this shirt, also because the last time isn’t a great memory. Physically and mentally I am well... If we play like this, with this attitude, we can do well, while if we play ‘with the smell under the nose’ it becomes a problem. It was a problem when I was 20 and I didn't approach the matches with the right mentality, let alone now that I am almost 42. I want to congratulate Napoli and especially Atalanta for the qualification. What they did in Bergamo is exciting. I exchanged a few messages with Gasperini, even after the first defeat, I wrote to him: ‘Mister, you can qualify because you can win with everyone’. I am happy that they managed to qualify, because they are a impressive and they also lose by example.”
CRISTIANO RONALDO
"I feel good, the annoyance I felt has passed and the team is also in good shape. Today we played a good second half. We are all growing and even I personally felt better today; more confident and I hope to continue like this. The attacking trio? I like it, we have fun together.”
