Pavel Nedved believes Juventus can be considered a credible force on the European stage after topping Group E following Wednesday’s spirited 1-0 success in Donetsk.
Speaking to reporters at Jeep’s exclusive ‘J Set’ inauguration in Courmayeur, Nedved remarked: “We’re back among the European greats. There are perhaps three or four teams who are better equipped than we are, but there’s very little difference and anyway the strongest sides don’t always win. It’s a difficult competition because one bad half can put you out.
“As far as the draw is concerned, I would aim to steer clear of Real Madrid. I would have wanted to lift the Champions League as a player, I joined Juventus with that aim, but it would give me great satisfaction to also win it as a director.”
The discussion then turned back to the Bianconeri’s championship duties and, in particular, the long-awaited return of Antonio Conte to the dugout on Sunday afternoon in Palermo.
“The good days are over for the team,” joked Pavel. “I wouldn’t have wanted him near me as a player… Jokes aside, they banned a word class coach and his return will make it tougher for everyone to stop us.
“I’d like to compliment the group for their strong reaction in his absence. Knowing him, he would have suffered a great deal, but I want him to leave it in the past. It’s always nicer thinking about the future and what’s ahead for him and the team.”
The 40-year-old believes Juventus have what it takes to repeat last year’s Scudetto triumph after observing the squad’s professional approach from close hand.
“Following up last year’s achievement will be even more difficult, but I can see the right determination from the entire team. They were already thinking about Palermo immediately after going through to the Champions League knockout stages on Wednesday night. That’s the right mentality to have in today’s football.”
Nedved, who won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in2003, concluded by reflecting on the decision to exclude Andrea Pirlo from the running for this year’s trophy.
“I was lucky when I won, because the World Cup or European Championships weren’t played that summer. Andrea is less fortunate, in his best years he’s up against players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi and it’s difficult to beat them, given how many goals they score.
"Of course, Andrea would deserve it, there are few players around like him. It will be a struggle to replace him when he does eventually decide to call it a day.”
Source: Juventus.com
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