Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri ‘still hopes to win the Champions League’ and reflects on last season’s run to the final.
The Bianconeri were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in the final of last year’s competition and kick off this season’s campaign tomorrow evening against Manchester City.
Allegri told UEFA.com that he still hopes to win the tournament ,while analysing his group stage opponents.
“It was a great feat, it was extraordinary, as no one thought Juventus would be finalists,” he said.
Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri ‘still hopes to win the Champions League’ and reflects on last season’s run to the final.
The Bianconeri were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in the final of last year’s competition and kick off this season’s campaign tomorrow evening against Manchester City.
Allegri told UEFA.com that he still hopes to win the tournament ,while analysing his group stage opponents.
“It was a great feat, it was extraordinary, as no one thought Juventus would be finalists,” he said.
“We improved with every match and our confidence grew too. We had some difficult moments, as is normal in the Champions League, but we deserved to reach the final and played an excellent match against a great Barcelona team.
“It was a big season for us, because while it is good to win your national league, Europe shows you how good your team really are – so that final will be an important memory for me. I still hope to win the Champions League one day, though!
“In the group stage there are always difficulties. We were playing catch-up after our defeat in Athens, but we improved and gained confidence. Our goal was to improve on the previous season when we didn't get through the group, so reaching the last 16 was the least we wanted.
“We managed that and then did better than expected. It was big achievement for us and for the club, because with a first final in 12 years Juventus gained a lot of visibility all over the world.
“It is a difficult group but we have what it takes to do well. We need to make the most of our home matches, knowing we're up against some serious opponents like Manchester City and Sevilla, who have won the Europa League twice.
“Our first game is at City and we will try to get points out of that, but it is going to be tough. City are contenders to top this group – and win the Champions League too. No disrespect to Monchenglabach, but I think City, Sevilla and ourselves have the best chance of going through.
“Our goal for the season is to win Serie A – even if we haven't started well – and the Coppa Italia, and to have an excellent Champions League campaign.”