The coach and the midfielder preview the Bianconeri’s tie at the Wanda Metropolitano
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A GAME UNLIKE OTHERS
“It’s not a match like any other, it’s an important Last 16 match, just as it was last year, two years ago, three years ago, four years ago and five years ago. This is because for Juventus the Champions League has always been a goal. It will be a good match between two teams that have excellent organisation. Atletico has made defending its strength and makes the most of set-pieces. It’s the first of two matches and we have to lay the groundwork to get through it.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF RONALDO
“To win, you have to work hard and have a little bit of luck, because the Champions League is like that. Having Ronaldo is definitely an advantage because in the last 10 years the top scorers of the tournament were him and Messi, but the team must put in a good performance. With Ronaldo – the best in the world, you have more chances to win, but it’s not a guarantee.”
COMPLIMENTS TO SIMEONE
“He’s done an extraordinary job and above all he manages to make the team work the same way, giving them the right mind-set and manages well both the important games and against the medium-small sides in always the same way. They always have great humility and great respect for their adversary and they know that they have gotten their results with those characteristics. So congratulations to Simeone.”
TEAM NEWS
“Tomorrow, Paulo plays and I think he can give us a lot. We need his technique and style of play, and if you’re in good condition like he is then it’s right that you play. Khedira is out and he’s an important player for us with good international pedigree.”
THE DIFFICULTY OF THE MATCH
“I think Atletico proved over the last years that they are a very strong team that are hard to play against, so we’re expecting two difficult games. Tomorrow will be an important match for us and we will try to get a good result in the first leg. From tomorrow a very important cycle begins for us, we will have to take it one step at a time, and we want to come back here to play in the final.”
CR7 – THE ACE UP OUR SLEEVE
“He’s very motivated and in this competition he’s proved to be worth more than any other player, he’s a great champion and he’s showing it again this year. We feel strong, but there are many high-level teams. We respect our opponents but it will be important for us to take an advantage into the second leg.”
