09 January 2021
Fresh off an important victory against Milan, Juventus will be back in action tomorrow evening against Sassuolo at Allianz Stadium. In light of the fixture, Coach Andrea Pirlo chatted the media in a virtual press conference, where he covered an array of topics.
Here’s what he had to say:
TOMORROW’S OPPONENT
Sassuolo is an excellent team, they've been playing together for a while. The coach is very good at constructing the game. It will be a difficult match, we can't let them go without pressure from us. I have a good relationship with De Zerbi, he is from Brescia, like me. He has had a good journey; we talk often about football. There are young and good coaches also abroad, everyone follows his own path."
THOUGHT ON THE TEAM
We take our responsibilities: we have been winning for nine years, it is normal that there is pressure on us. I've asked the team to improve their concentration and mental strength, especially when we take the lead: that is a very important phase. We must have the same desire to achieve a result - whoever the opponent is - and then we will see where we are in April.
DEPLETED BACKLINE
The positive cases affect us, as they affect anyone. But let's think about moving forward, there are other problems. I have four defenders, in addition to Di Pardo who can play on the flank. I will choose between them, because we are "in the bubble" and we cannot summon other players.
PLAYER UPDATES
Both Chiellini and Merih Demiral are fine. Tomorrow, Merih could start from the beginning. Kulusevski is fine, last night I congratulated him on how he came on in the match. Tomorrow, we will see if he will start from the beginning. Morata is better, tomorrow morning we will consider whether to call him up or not. The other day Chiesa had a hip problem and asked to be subbed, but he has recovered. Arthur took a bad knock before Christmas and had a longer break. But now he has recovered and has regained his condition, he can play with anyone, he knows football. I'm sorry I didn't let Bernardeschi play with great continuity, but he trains well and gives 100% in games. He is important and reliable; he will have chances."
WIN OVER MILAN
It was an important victory in Milan, at an important moment too, but if we don't win tomorrow, it will be of little use. However, I still consider Milan the team to beat, because they are at the top of the table.
CHIESA’S FORM
I'm not surprised by Chiesa: I knew his qualities and I wanted him. He can still improve a lot, he is young, he is a "prototype" of a great champion. He has to improve himself match after match. The San Siro must be a starting point.
