16 April 2015
Simone Pepe says Saturday’s key Serie A encounter with Lazio in Turin remains the club’s primary focus as the Bianconeri prepare to enter an important week for their domestic and European aspirations.
This weekend’s upcoming league clash precedes a Champions League quarter-final second leg with Monaco before Juventus then travel to arch-rivals Torino all in the space of eight days.
And the 31-year-old, who also appeared on Filo Diretto back in November, was keen to stress that the reigning champions must assume the prudent approach of “taking every game as it comes” if they want to achieve success on all three fronts.
Speaking to Jtv’s Laura Barriales, Pepe began: “We’ve got two important matches coming up in the shape of Lazio and Monaco, but we’re focusing our attention solely on the former.
“We haven’t won the Scudetto yet, but we’d like to do so as soon as possible. Due to our healthy advantage at the top, Saturday’s game with Lazio could prove pivotal in the title race.”
Following Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over Monaco, the Bianconeri have now given themselves a good chance of qualification for the semi-finals as they gear up for next week’s return in Monte Carlo.
And when quizzed on the possibility of Juventus reigning supreme in a competition they have not won since 1996, Pepe stated that while there is a chance of the club lifting European silverware, it’s important he and his team-mates remain level-headed.
“Can we win the Champions League? Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Like us, it’s only right that the fans think big and dream of success. But it’s vital that we take every game as it comes.
“When you have a united group, there’s no harm in dreaming and if we’re able to get past Monaco and make it to the semi-finals, anything is possible.
“This has been the most intense campaign I’ve ever played in, it’s vital we remain level-headed. My personal aims for the season are the same as the squad’s – to carry on winning.”
Having established himself as a firm fans’ favourite since joining from Udinese back in 2010, Pepe ended proceedings by paying tribute to the Bianconeri faithful, who flooded him with messages during his prolonged spell on the sidelines.
"It's fantastic when the fans are in full support of you. I've always given my all out on the pitch and they've continued to be by my side even throughout my injury. It makes me proud."
