ALLEGRI AND BUFFON PRESS CONFERENCE
Massimiliano Allegri is calling on his men to show intensity, courage and focus when they run out for tonight’s Group D Champions League opener against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
"We need to stop the rot and a positive result here could completely change our situation. It’s the first of six group matches and our aim is to reach the knockout stages. We’ll need to show plenty of intensity and courage and also be at the races from a technical standpoint. A focused display will be required against one of the strongest teams in Europe.”
“I have five midfielders available and we’ll see if I go with three or four – I won’t be revealing my team just yet. I need to have a good think about things because Saturday’s game was an energy-sapping one. Hernanes played well, seeing as he hadn’t featured in a competitive game for a while, as did Alex Sandro. Cuadrado also looked good, it’s important for us to play to his strengths and give him the right support.”
“Our aim needs to be to stay within Europe’s top eight. We’re not scoring at the moment but the minute goals start going in things will be different. We’ve changed 10 out of 22 outfield players and time and hard work are required.”
Gianluigi Buffon says he is eager for the Bianconeri to pit their wits against one of the favourites for this season’s Champions League crown when they square up with Manchester City on Tuesday night.
“We all expected to get off to a better start in the league – our current position is an anomaly for this club - but I’m sure we’ll start seeing the true Juventus soon. We’re a united group and we’ll show just that. We’ll go out there looking to turn in a strong performance. We want to play our own game, as we always do, and I think we’ll be in for an entertaining affair tomorrow night.”
(Photo LaPresse)
