Through to the last-16 of the Champions League and Andrea Agnelli’s 37th birthday: 6 December was a day “to enjoy” – in the words of Giuseppe Marotta – for everyone at Juventus.
With the Bianconeri already focused on their match against Palermo, which marks the return of Antonio Conte to the dug-out, Marotta spoke on the phone to Rai Sport’s “Novanta Minuti”.
Needless to say, the Champions League was the hot topic. “We’re happy and proud of what we’ve achieved in Europe, it’s astonishing the progress the squad has made. Today was a day to enjoy because it’s also Andrea Agnelli’s birthday. Have I wished him many happy returns? I did so yesterday in Donetsk.”
A few more days to celebrate getting through the group stage before the Bianconeri discover their opponents in the last-16. Marotta is not thinking about the opposition though, but rather the progress Juventus have made. “We’re improving game by game and now we go into every match with high expectations, regardless of who we’re playing. Initially we struggled a bit because of our inexperience. Then – thanks to the way the club is run and our mental strength – we were able to top the group, going unbeaten with one of the best defences in the competition. Opponents? Apart from Real Madrid who are giants, the other sides are all at a similar level. We’re pleased we won the group because now we’ll play easier teams and the second leg at home.”
But Serie A is first on the agenda before the Champions league. The Bianconeri can’t wait for the match at Palermo, as it signals the return of Antonio Conte. Marotta welcomed back the coach and had this to say about their encounter at the Stadio Barbera: “First of all we’re delighted to have got through as it allows Conte to experience the Champions League. We’ve been disappointed not to have had him in the dug-out and we’re looking forward to having him back in his technical area over the coming fixtures. People have given everything in his absence and that’s what makes what we’ve achieved all the more extraordinary. We mustn’t go into the Palermo game thinking about yesterday’s match. We need to be wary, they’ve got nothing to lose and won’t need much in the way of motivation.”
Source: Juventus.com
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