Gigi Buffon said Atletico Madrid “are no longer a surprise” and the Juventus” data-scaytid=”4″>Juventus captain has no intention of relinquishing his clean sheet.
Gigi Buffon said Atletico Madrid “are no longer a surprise” and the Juventus captain has no intention of relinquishing his clean sheet.
The Bianconeri are at the Vicente Calderon for tomorrow night’s Champions League clash and Buffon spoke at the Press conference.
“This is a fascinating game between two teams of great tradition. We want to measure ourselves up against Atletico Madrid to see what stage we’re at in our development.
“Atleti might’ve been considered a surprise until four or five years ago, but not any more. They’ve won the Europa League twice, won La Liga and last season were Champions League Finalists.
“This team is aware of its strengths and has international calibre. Everyone expects great performances and results, which wasn’t the case up until a few years ago.
“As for Juve, we want to pick up from the Champions League where we left off in 2013, in other words the quarter-final against Bayern Munich. It would be important to have that kind of objective, even if often the luck of the draw is decisive in these tournaments.”
Atletico Madrid player Diego Godin pointed out with some glee that he is the last man to have scored past Buffon, in the World Cup for Uruguay against Inter.
“That fact pleases me, as it means I’ve been able to do a great deal well since that goal and ensured people appreciated my performances,” replied the goalkeeper.
Buffon was asked about Juventus teammate Paul Pogba, who is on the verge of signing a new contract.
“We are talking about a top level talent. If he maintains this focus and mentality, of having fun in a professional manner, then he can become one of the two or three best players in the history of French football.”
There is a Spanish flavour to this Juve side, as Fernando Llorente has settled well after his move from Athletic Bilbao and Alvaro Morata scored his first Serie A goal at the weekend.
“Morata has just arrived and had to get over an injury, but with a lot of humility he recovered and is working hard at the disposal of the Coach.
“He is trying to learn and understand every tactical situation that Juve try to develop. I don’t need to talk about his talent, as everyone knows that.
“Llorente is one of those players I’d always like to have in my team, both as a player and a person. He is always appreciated by the team for the way he behaves too.
“I would’ve been happy for him to be at the World Cup, but Spain have so many quality options that it can happen to be left behind.”