While the „Juventus“ team is preparing to compete on three different fronts, Claudio Marchisio assures that the team is thinking about the best possible scenario at the end of the season. In an interview given to the official „Juventus“ club website, Marchisio talked about the injury he suffered last season, the team's strength, ambitions in Europe, and more.
Overcoming a knee injury
„As the coach repeated to me many times and as I knew myself, after a cruciate ligament injury, it takes about a year to recover. During those 12 months, there were ups and downs, but I managed to deal with it as best as possible. When I returned in winter, I felt really good, but I had to be cautious. I expected difficult years, but I am glad that there were no complications. Now I am in good form, and the team is even better“, - Marchisio said.
Team growth
„Watching how the team grew and strengthened every month when I was not on the field, really helped me. Being with a group of guys who are so positive and want to achieve great things, really touches you. We all want to be on the field, but at the same time, we all improve when we are part of such a strong group that aims for the highest goals. Every player in this team would rather play less but win, than play always and lose. That is the most important factor“, - said the Italian.
A sixth consecutive „Scudetto“?
„If we were able to win a sixth consecutive „Scudetto“, it would be truly an incredible event, which started in the 2011-2012 season. My first won league title was very precious because I hadn't won anything before that, but the opportunity to fight for a sixth in a row is something fantastic. However, with success, we should not stop“.
Even more ambitious in Europe
„Beating a team like „Barcelona“ undoubtedly raises our confidence level and inspires us all to believe that we can achieve great things this season. People said that in Barcelona, it's the end of an era, but that's not true. We saw how strong they are, we saw how on Sunday they defeated Madrid's „Real“ team. They are blessed with a wealth of good players and they never give up. Therefore, we have earned merits coming a long way over the past seasons and letting all teams understand how difficult it is to compete with us. It's a process that has been going on for the past three years, but now, undoubtedly, we are a powerful force in Europe“, - said the midfielder.
A team with many pluses
„Our success is the fruit of an unexpected team spirit and unity. Several top-level players joined us this summer, but they immediately fit in. Since Massimiliano Allegri arrived in 2014, we have made a lot of changes in our game. Changing the style of play over time helped us a lot. And finally, we are a team that does not give up an inch on the field. This was very clear in the last two matches against „Barcelona“: in the first match we pressed them with the goal of scoring as many goals as possible, and at the „Camp Nou“ stadium, we built such an unbeatable wall, like our organization's solidity and psychological strength“,- Marchisio confidently said.
Respect for red and white
„Against „Monaco“ we must show what we have shown so far. They are a team that you must respect. Most likely, they are the semi-final team that is talked about the least. Achieving what they have achieved proves that they are a team capable of playing not only in France but also in Europe. They have overcome several strong teams on their way, and we have very tough two matches ahead with them“.
Goal
„Last season we won the „Serie A“ title, and I was lying on the operating table at the moment. It was a joyful moment because of the title, but I understood that a long process awaited me before my return. Now a year has passed, and most importantly, we can win in all three fronts. With an 8-point lead in Italy, in the Champions League semi-finals, and in the „TIM“ Cup final, I believe we can do it. There is no other way out“, - Marchisio concluded.
