17 August 2017
HARD WORK REQUIRED
“Our opponents have strengthened over the summer and now we need to bring a sense of humility and equilibrium in our approach. During a season, we know that everyone makes mistakes, but we won’t lack respect for our rivals and we will show the desire to gain victories through sacrifice and without ever underestimating the other teams.
“Facing the season with too much trepidation wouldn’t be good for us, but I have an intelligent side and I am sure that on Saturday the guys will redeem themselves after the Lazio match.”
LOOKING FORWARDS, NOT BACKWARDS
“Cardiff must be forgotten and fans must be proud of this team. We’ve played in two finals in three years, against Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“We lost the match in Cardiff because Real Madrid were stronger and deserved to win. I am bitter at the fact there is still this sense of disappointment, we all wanted to win but life sometimes presents other opportunities. We will try to have a great Champions League, but to succeed we will also have to have a good league campaign.”
HAPPY BUT FOCUSED
“I’m happy to have been nominated for the FIFA coach of the year, but for this opportunity I have to thank the club and the lads who have won on the field. I’m curious to see what the squad will be like once the transfer market is closed, because at that point I might even think about diversifying our playing system. Now let’s think about the new season – a hard one, in which we know we will have to raise the stakes.”
