Bremer: ‘Juventus are always Juventus, even without Champions League’

Gleison Bremer opened up about his ambitions with Juventus, their competitors in Serie A and how it feels to miss out on the Champions League.

The 26-year-old Brazilian centre back showed some positive signs in his debut season with the Bianconeri, joining from intercity rivals Torino in a deal worth around €41m.

Juventus will not take part in European competition next season following their various off-pitch issues last campaign and are in the process of cutting their wage bill.

Speaking on page eight of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Bremer first discussed what Massimiliano Allegri is asking of his players.

“Last year we played a little from the back and we are working on this, but above all we are growing in terms of intensity. That was the first thing the coach asked us.”

He reflected on how things went last season.

“For me it was positive, I could have done more, but the first year in Juve at this level wasn’t easy. I’m happy and now I’m not starting from scratch, but with a great deal of experience and the goal of doing better.”

The Brazilian was asked about his and Juventus’ goals for the coming campaign.

“As a team we have to improve on last year’s placement considering, as Allegri says, that we finished third on the pitch.

“When you’re at Juventus you always hope to win, we’re in a construction phase and the first step will have to be to get to the Champions League, then we’ll see during the current season, maybe we can even think about the Scudetto.”

He spoke about Juventus’ fight for the Scudetto without European obligations.

“Having the week off will allow us to focus only on the league. Two years ago with Torino, when we played once a week, we had much more time to train.

“When you go on the pitch every three days it’s hard, the first month you don’t notice it, the second you don’t even notice it but from the third you start to feel tired.

“I played a lot last season, this will be different because in addition to Serie A we will only have the Coppa Italia.”

Bremer was asked how it felt to miss out on the Champions League.

“There is a lot of regret because the Champions League is the Champions League, but we must have a positive attitude, because we will have more chances to train more and grow. Juve are always Juve, even without the Champions League.”

He discussed his relationship with Giorgio Chiellini.

“I often talk to Giorgio, he came to visit us here on our retreat. He made Juve history. He gave me advice on how to man mark and zonal mark and what to improve.

“We are similar in terms of characteristics, I feel more like a defender like him. Before taking his number, I asked his permission.”

The 26-year-old was asked if Victor Osimhen was the hardest striker to play against in Serie A.

“In Italy yes, in the Champions League I faced Mbappe and Neymar who aren’t easy to manage. Immobile and Giroud are also tough.”

The Juventus defender discussed the work of Milan in the transfer market.

“They’ve had an important transfer market, signing players like Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek. They know how to play football, are good in the strait and have strong forwards. They will fight for the title together with Inter and Napoli, but we are here too.”

Bremer spoke about if he’d be tempted by an offer from the Premier League.

“The Premier League is an important league but I want to stay at Juve, who are the best in Italy. I want to do well here, you never know about the future, but right now I’m only thinking about Juve.”

He was asked about his chances in the Brazil national team once Carlo Ancelotti becomes head coach.

“Last year I went to the World Cup as a third/fourth defender but my goal is to become a starter. I haven’t spoken to Ancelotti yet, but I am sure that being Italian he will look at Serie A with different eyes.”

Finally, Bremer discussed the coaching style of Allegri.

“One who has a lot to teach tactically. With him I improved, and I learned things that I have to put into practice even more this year.

“He is different from Juric, with him we played man to man. I had a great time at Toro, I still hear from President Cairo, I apologized in the derby after scoring a goal.”