Barzagli: 'Mandzukic crucial for Juventus’
By Football Italia staff
Andrea Barzagli says Mario Mandzukic is “
a crucial weapon” for Juventus, and discusses his own longevity.
The Bianconeri have switched to an uber-attacking 4-2-3-1 formation this season, with Mandzukic playing an unfamiliar role on the left-wing.
However, the Croatian’s work rate has seen him adapt to the role and become
a hero for the Juve faithful.
“We faced him when he was at Bayern, he was the main striker but he pressed everyone,” Barzagli recalled in an interview with Tuttosport.
“We remember him well as he was, but from that to thinking that he could play on the wing and all over the pitch… we didn’t expect that.
“He has great heart and physicality, and also on dead balls he’s a crucial weapon for us.”
Barzagli will turn 36 in just under two weeks, and he was asked about his longevity at the highest level.
“To get to be close to 36 with this Juve you have to be at your maximum, you have to push, you have to run and you have to work well.
“I do this and I look for my motivation. In these years where we’ve won a lot there could have been a sense of satisfaction but I don’t know what it is, maybe the Juve atmosphere, all of us always want to win.”
Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba left to try and win the Champions League, yet Juve are in the semi-finals while Bayern Munich and Manchester United aren’t.
“Those are their choices,” Barzagli shrugged.
“No-one would expect that they leave and a year later the team reaches the Champions League semis.
“I spoke to Pogba just after the Genoa match, on the one hand he’s happy but on the other he’d like to be here.”
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