21 January 2015
Fernando Llorente says the Bianconeri must keep their foot firmly on the gas if they are to fend off the challenge of Scudetto rivals Roma throughout the second half of the campaign.
Sunday’s resounding 4-0 triumph over Hellas Verona enabled the reigning champions to move five points clear at the top of Serie A, a lead the Spanish striker regards as insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Speaking exclusively to Sky, Llorente began: “Five points don’t mean a thing. Roma are a great team, we know they want to win the Scudetto and we can’t allow ourselves to ease off. We must keep working hard in order to give 100 per cent in every game and show our desire to taste further success.”
The next opportunity for Juventus to reiterate their Scudetto credentials comes against Chievo on Sunday afternoon, when Llorente will be hoping to return to the starting line-up after making way for Alvaro Morata in the last two games.
And as the Bianconeri prepare to embark on a congested run of fixtures in Serie A, Champions League and the Coppa Italia, the striker says he feels better for the rest ahead of a crucial stage of the season.
“Everyone is important in this team. Alvaro possesses great qualities and can become a fine player. He just needs to knuckle down and keep doing what he’s doing.
“It was a useful breather for me because the most important moment of the season is on its way. Your body reacts better when you rest and that will be fundamental for the next game.”
Batteries recharged and raring to go, Llorente will be hoping to emulate his goalscoring feats in the second half of last season, a period which yielded 11 of his 18 Serie A strikes for the term.
He admits a similar free-scoring run would be welcome, with just five goals to his name so far this season.
“I hope I can do it again, it’s my aim to reach those figures. I haven’t scored many so far, but I’ve been involved in plenty of moves that have led to goals. Scoring is obviously important for a striker, but the team winning is even more crucial.”
