Juventus are ready to square off against Monaco in the second and decisive match for the Champions League quarter finals. Vidal is available for Allegri, and Buffon wants to add the Champions League to his trophy case
Massimiliano Allegri and Gigi Buffon met journalists in the press conference ahead of the match against Monaco, the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Tuttojuve.com reports the following full text version, which Italian Football Daily translates for you:
Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus coach:
Do you expect an offensive or defensive Monaco tomorrow?
“If I knew the tactics that [Monaco coach] Jardim will adopt, it would be an advantage for us. The round is still wide open, we have a small advantage, tomorrow we have to score goals, we have to play well in terms of focus and tactics. We know Monaco for having played them once, we know their strengths and we know that they are not an easy team to play, one that knows how to defend very well. Statistics are on their side, a team with technical players behind and with physical players in front. It will be a difficult game, we have to do well because tomorrow the details could make a difference. “
How’s Vidal?
Allegri: “Vidal is well, today he practiced with the team and is available”.
Do you feel the weight of history on your shoulders?
“I have played a quarter final already, to advance to the semifinals and would be a major achievement, another important step that this team has to make, can and should make. I believe that we have what it takes in terms of the quality of players. Tomorrow is an important evening for this season in general, we are close to winning the Scudetto, we have the Italian Cup final to play, and to play the tomorrow’s game is a matter of pride for the boys.”
What will be your starting line up tomorrow?
“I have not decided the starting line up yet, I still have tomorrow morning’s practice to make my evaluations, I think it will be a ‘long’ game and the players who will come off the bench will come on to be fundamental to our cause. Pepe is doing well, it is available, made twelve appearances, did well whenever I called upon him. I do not think that he will start tomorrow but he is an important player for Juventus.”
Did you imagine to arrive with the league title in your pocket at this point?
“I thought of having a great season, to achieve our objectives: the first was to arrive in March and be competitive in all competitions, in the league we are well under way, in the Italian Cup we have reached the final, and tomorrow we hope to play a good game and go to the semifinals.”
Would Falcao be more useful to Juventus or Monaco?
“I am very happy with the players I have available, tomorrow we will play a great game and we will try to get to the semifinals.”
Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus goalkeeper and captain:
What kind of a match is this for you? Missing for 12 years from the fourth largest in Europe?
“I know that is a very important game for me and my teammates. I think it’s the proof that we can advance. Juve is growing and such an achievement would mark an important passage for this team at a European level to demonstrate that we are back. This is something very significant that increases our sense of responsibility, we can be proud to be playing a game at this level.”
Are all the arguments we’ve heard about the penalty in the first leg simply excuses for losers?
“We haven’t felt affected by any arguments. The way some rationalize is very different from what we hear in the Italian league. It’s true, however, that they were unlucky in an imperfect but very difficult decision. I challenge anyone to say whether the foul was 4 centimetres inside or outside the box.”
Monaco scores and allows few goals at home…
“Until now, that is true. But to even the aggregate score Monaco doesn’t need to score many goals. Given the fact that they score a few but also allow very few then they have what it takes to overturn the deficit. However, we’re not here to be the sacrificial victims. We have the self-confidence to play a football match at our level.”
Is this a good year to win the Champions League?
“I had a wish, and that is, to win this trophy with my teammates and with our people. This trophy is missing from my trophy case. When will I do this, I have no idea, since I am I’m overripe I wouldn’t mind winning it as soon as possible.”
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