06 December 2017
Juan Cuadrado was Tuesday night's match-winner in Greece as the Colombian scored the go-ahead goal in the 2-0 win over Olympiakos. It was a win that secured advancement through the UEFA Champions League group stage and a win that leaves the Bianconeri flying high heading into Saturday's showdown with Inter.
"It was a very important goal, similar to the one scored by De Sciglio at Crotone, which gave us a great victory," said Cuadrado, who spoke today in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports microphones"
HARD WORK PAYING OFF
"We are all very happy because we are working hard on the defensive side of our game and the results are visible," Cuadrado continued. "It was important to keep the clean sheet and move on to the next round. Our coach insists so much that I cut to the goal adding numbers in the box when the ball is on the wing. I have to thank Alex Sandro who often puts the ball in a perfect spot for me."
RETURNING THE FAVOR
Cuadrado hopes to switch the roles sometime soon, even if he knows Alex Sandro goals can be collector's items. "I hope one day to be able to return the favor, even it's usually Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain crashing the goal and almost always my assists are for them."
LOOKING AHEAD
A great challenge lies ahead for the Bianconeri on Saturday as they host Inter in a first vs third matchup. "Playing these games give you an extra charge and all you want is to give 100% and score. The most important thing is taking the field with the right attitude to do well."
The Nerazzurri have experienced a re-birth of sorts under new head coach Luciano Spalletti and they head to the Allianz Stadium on Saturday at the top of the Serie A table.
"Since Spalletti arrived, they are doing very well. We can see that he has given them something else since last season. They are strong and we must all be very alert, but we are also a great team and we have to be calm and get a result in front of our fans. I'm sure we'll have a great game!"
Cuadrado carries a special serenity into every match due to his faith which is manifested regularly through social media. "I am a believe and I entrust myself very much to the Lord. I always thank God for giving me this talent and in every training and game I try to give my best. All that I am is thanks to Him."
