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The head coach of Turin's "Juventus" team, Antonio Conte, answered various journalists' questions at the first press conference of the year. On Saturday afternoon, during a meeting with representatives of various Italian sports newspapers, the strategist talked about the goals of his team for this season and did not avoid questions about the player market.
"After the winter break, you never really know what to expect on the field. Nevertheless, we have worked hard over the past few days," said the strategist.
"Winning the Italian championship and the cup would prove that we are working on a strong project. We shouldn't lose sight of that and the Champions League, but we need to remain patient and focus on the team's progress."
On Sunday at 16:00 local time in Lithuania, the team led by the Italian coach will continue their battles in the "Serie A" championship and will host Genoa's "Sampdoria" team, which has been struggling this season, at their home stadium. "Juventus" will be without suspended defender Stephan Lichtsteiner and injured players Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner, and Simone Pepe.
"They have a well-structured team not used to being in such low positions. We must not lose focus, but we are fully prepared for this match. Mirko Vučinić is feeling much better. We are closely monitoring his physical condition, but he will be able to take the field tomorrow."
During this winter transfer window, the Turin team's ranks were supplemented by defender Federico Peluso from Bergamo's "Atalanta" club on a loan basis. Asked about potential other January signings, A. Conte remained mysterious.
"If the opportunity arises to acquire more players, the club will do its job. I have great confidence in our team, so in January, no one will leave. Peluso? He can play in several positions, so we did not make a mistake in purchasing him."
At the end of the press conference, the Juventus manager could not avoid questions about Shanghai's "Shenhua" striker Didier Drogba and Athletic Bilbao's attacking leader Fernando Llorente.
"I have read in the press several times about Drogba, but I have not received any information from the club about it, and I myself have not made any inquiries. We must take into account the financial side of the transfer. The purchase must be smart and not expensive."
"Meanwhile, Llorente is a player for the Spanish national team, whose game for Athletic Bilbao speaks for itself. The possibility of having him in our team is very enticing. It would be great if we could offer a contract to a player who has become a free agent, which he would agree to sign."
"I can assure you that a year ago, Llorente would not even have considered joining us, but now we have returned to the top clubs and become an attractive destination for high-caliber players. Would I be surprised if Llorente arrived in January? Yes, because he is an Athletic player," noted A. Conte.
