Gigi Buffon said Juventus must “have a less fearful approach” to Bayern Munich than in the first leg and put injuries aside.
The first leg ended 2-2 in Turin, the Champions League Round of 16 decider is tomorrow at 19.45 GMT.
“We have a chance of going through to the next round against Bayern,” said the goalkeeper in a Press conference and on Mediaset Premium.
“We must try to have a better start to the game, a less anxious/fearful one than in the first leg, and hope that incidents go our way.
Gigi Buffon said Juventus must “have a less fearful approach” to Bayern Munich than in the first leg and put injuries aside.
The first leg ended 2-2 in Turin, the Champions League Round of 16 decider is tomorrow at 19.45 GMT.
“We have a chance of going through to the next round against Bayern,” said the goalkeeper in a Press conference and on Mediaset Premium.
“We must try to have a better start to the game, a less anxious/fearful one than in the first leg, and hope that incidents go our way.
“It can certainly go better than last time we were here… I hope and believe it will be. Aside from my own performance, I think over the two legs and above all considering the way that Champions League tournament ended, that Bayern side would’ve beaten anyone.
“Teams who are considered extremely strong and the favourites for the most prestigious targets are supposed to have 20/25 first choice players.
“Often the mentality, harmony and respect within the group makes the difference. I hope tomorrow will be a good moment to prove that we fit that bill. Over the long-term we’d pay for their absence, but in the short-term we can do without certain individuals.
“Bayern are certainly the strongest team, that is shown over the last five years. We’ll see who played better on the night tomorrow.
“In Turin they were better for an hour, then something changed and we were able to turn around almost a desperate situation that few would’ve been able to.
“We have to resume from that feeling, realising we have the quality, characteristics and talent to make it very difficult for Bayern to qualify.
“I wouldn’t be angry if we went out, it would depend only on how and if we went out. I’d be proud of a balanced fixture and if we repeat the final half-hour performance here – even if we don’t qualify – that in my view is a sign of progress.
“This is like a semi-final or Final, because the opposition represents that level. The important thing is that Juventus prove themselves worthy of such a clash. The draw wasn’t good this time, but if it is next season we’ll know that we are on a par or at least nearly level with the sides that can win the tournament.”
Did the captain have to reassure those who missed out and does Mario Mandzukic set the example with his remarkable work-rate?
“Words aren’t needed in certain moments, because the disappointment is so obvious that you just require a pat on the shoulder.
“It’s a shame the lads were unable to come, but they need to heal and be available as soon as possible, seeing as we have some very important games after this and the Scudetto race is wide open.
“Mario sets the example for determination and collaboration within the team. When people ask me about how many minutes we haven’t conceded a goal, the truth is that the others work their socks off and Mario is our first defender.
“It’s crucial that something snaps within each individual to make them push past obstacles and give that something extra.”
Buffon is just four minutes away from setting a new all-time Serie A record for clean sheets, which he could achieve against Torino this Sunday, but in the Champions League they’ve been more porous.
“I am not thinking about that now. It is a situation I experience with great calm anyway. As for the Champions League, I don’t think Juve conceded many goals at all compared to the other teams. It’s very hard to get a run of six or seven games with clean sheets because you are facing the best every time and players of such quality they can elude the marking at any moment.
“It also shows that the players at Juventus are very strong, as we set a record in Serie A and over the last two seasons have been the first or second strongest defence in Europe, that means something.”