25 November 2019
It’s a game that many have been waiting for: Juventus versus Atletico Madrid in Turin. It is the final home game of the UEFA Champions League group stage, and one which will undoubtedly be a battle for the top spot in the group.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, here is what they had to say:
“Now I see some great flashes and I would like to see the team more continuous in some respects, but you have to take into account the characteristics of the players. We certainly have room for improvement. Against Atletico we need to have a game without making calculations. They are a difficult team to face and we need to think about how fundamental first place in the group is. What Simeone has done at Atletico is worth the praise.
“My rapport with Cristiano Ronaldo is good. If a player has won everything and he gets upset over a substitution means that he still has a lot of motivation: and that is positive. Yesterday Cristiano trained with his teammates. He seems to be improving but we still need to evaluate between today and tomorrow. Matthijs de Ligt and Bernardeschi need to be evaluated. It depends a lot on how they feel. To see Dybala, Higuain and Cristiano together is difficult because of their characteristics. All three know how to play football very well and they get along very well.”
"I'm happy to be here where I have already experienced many great years. It was my intention to show everyone that I wanted to remain. We're in a good moment but there's still lots to do. Rotation is normal in a big team. Every time Paulo Dybala and I took the field, we tried to give our best, taking advantage of our opportunities. With the coach I've experienced some of my best seasons. I know what he wants and I'm happy to work with him.
“We need to respect Atletico. Tomorrow will be a difficult game, they prepare in every way to win, but we want to finish on top of this group. Everyone knows that Cristiano Ronaldo is a big player of us. We are all important and fundamental, and every one of us plays a part in winning.
“My decision to remain here, and it was clear from the beginning, but the coach had his reasons: something needed to change in my head. The season is still long, and I need to continue to demonstrate my value. The season is going well, we are at the top in the league and in the Champions League group. We only need to get closer to what the coach asks of us.”
Simeone: “We know that Juve are a strong team, with great players and with a coach that has a precise playing style. We have to take the game where we want it to go. In their history Juve have always been a protagonist and they will be this year too. We hope to play a good game in your beautiful home.
Koke: “What happened last season is now in the past. We know that Juve are one of the favourites but we want to win and we will give it our all. Juventus are a very strong side and not just because of Cristiano, they have a lot of excellent players.”
