11 September 2017
Five months on from sealing a place in last season’s Champions League semi-finals, Paulo Dybala and Juventus returned to the Camp Nou on Monday ahead of tomorrow’s group stage showdown against Barcelona.
Here’s what La Joya had to say to the media ahead of Tuesday’s big game.
ALWAYS IMPROVING
“To anyone saying that I and Neymar are the future of football, then I’m just focused on raising my game all the time. I’m hoping to reach the top as soon as possible.
“That said, I always try to play the same way: that is to give the best for myself and for the team, helping in every way, both defensively, as the coach asks us when we do not have the ball, and in the offensive phase."
ANOTHER BARCA SHOWDOWN
“It is certainly not easy to face a team like Barcelona who are always a difficult opponent, in a stadium like this where they attack you so much. We are aware that we will have our chances, because even Barcelona give away opportunities to the opponent and we will have to take advantage of these.
“It’s true that Barça have lost an important player like Neymar, but they are replacing him with other great players. At the end of the day, this is Barcelona we are talking about and they must be respected for their history, name and fame.
“They have not conceded a goal yet in the league this season, so we will have to take advantage of the ball possession and defend solidly because they have players that, if left free to roam, can hurt you.”
#10 vs #10
"Fortunately, I have the opportunity to play with (Lionel) Messi in Argentine national team and it is an amazing thing for me as a team-mate to learn a lot from him.
“What can happen in the future I do not know. I'm happy at Juventus. This year I made the decision to play with a number that represents a lot for the club's history, which is a great pleasure. I always try to have good performances, to make the most of it and to help my team-mates in any way I can.”
BENTANCUR GROWING EVERY DAY
"I got to know Rodrigo (Bentancur) in Argentina when he played for Boca Juniors. I did not see him playing much and so he’s really surprised me here. He is young, talented and I have a good relationship with him.
“We spend a lot of time together off the field and we link up well on it too. I hope he can demonstrate all his skill here and I wish him the very best."
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP
"I personally feel very good. I had a great summer and also trained a great deal when I was in Argentina, because I knew this was a very important year, both for Juventus and for the national team too.
“When the Serie A season ends with Juve and the Champoins League, there is the World Cup in the summer, which means so much for us. So I'm trying to do my best to grow, because I know this has the potential to be a great year for winning titles."
