Bonucci: 'Juventus are back’
By Football Italia staff
Leonardo Bonucci says Juventus “are back” in European competition, and believes they can beat Bayern Munich.
The Bianconeri were 2-0 down to the German champions in the first-leg of their Champions League Last 16 meeting, but fought back to claim a 2-2 draw.
“Certainly in recent years Juventus have been reliable in Europe,” Bonucci told Mediaset.
“Last 16, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals of the Europa League and the Champions League final. In Europe, Juve are back.
“Tuesday’s game gives us the chance to do something important, but we have to face Bayern with humility and the utmost respect because they’ve proven to be a difficult team to beat.
“Percentage chance of going through? No, football is a question mark, everything is open. They’re at an advantage, because if they don’t concede a goal they’ll go through, but we believe because we know we’re strong.
“Pep Guardiola’s compliments? I’m honoured, but now the goal is to win in Munich. Personally I always want to improve, because when I stop doing that I’ll hang up my boots.
“The best Bonucci is still to come.”
The Old Lady are back at the top of Serie A after a poor start to the season, but Bonucci knows they can’t let their guard down.
“We just have to think about ourselves without looking at others. We’re top, and if we win every game we’ll be champions. That’s our goal.
“The treble? It’s a thought, the goal is to win but we must not create unnecessary pressure. We have to keep our feet on the ground, now we have to concentrate on the game against Inter, which is there to be won.
“We believe in ourselves in the Champions League, and then we’re in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia where we’re starting with an advantage [3-0 against Inter] but we’re definitely not going to Milan for a procession.”
Many have suggested Bayern’s first goal was offside on Tuesday, while there may have been a foul on Bonucci in a build-up to the second, is the lack of protests a testament to Juve’s attitude?
“No, it’s a natural attitude,” the defender insisted.
“Once the referee has made a decision you're not going to change anything by protesting.”
