22 April 2015
Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has praised the achievements of both the club and Massimiliano Allegri after the Bianconeri made a long-awaited return to the Champions League semi-finals, but stressed there is plenty of scope for continued improvement.
Speaking to Sky Italia after Monaco v Juventus, Marotta began: "It was tough tonight and I think the club deserves credit. I don't know exactly how much of an influence a coach can have but we've created the conditions for Allegri to do well and he is doing extremely well.
"Tonight's match is confirmation of just how far we've come. It might not have been pretty to watch but what mattered was going through. And this squad can get a whole lot better yet.
"We've improved year on year and we'll strengthen further in the coming transfer window. The club is solid and we want to be competing on the European stage at a level that is befitting of Juventus' history."
Marotta then ran the rule over the other clubs in Friday's semi-final draw and discussed Juve's chances.
"There are three powerhouses in there with us but we'll give it our best shot, aware of the fact that they are on a different technical and financial level to us. We're fourth favourites in that sense but you never know.
"We have to see Scudetto and the Coppa Italia as our real targets. In the Champions League we must be realistic and recognise that there are different values in play, but with a spot of luck who knows."
Marotta was also asked if Paul Pogba might be fit in time for the semi-final and here he offered a hint of optimism.
"The doctors say he'll be ready in around three weeks but he's young and may be able to recover more quickly than other players."
