Gianluigi Buffon warns Juventus “we must improve” because “if we have European ambitions what we’re doing isn’t enough”.
The Bianconeri have won seven of their first eight Serie A games and are top of their Champions League group, but the goalkeeper wants to see more.
“The game seems to be to not take responsibility, to say that someone else is favourite because of budget, revenue, etc,” Buffon told Corriere della Sera.
Gianluigi Buffon warns Juventus “we must improve” because “if we have European ambitions what we’re doing isn’t enough”.
The Bianconeri have won seven of their first eight Serie A games and are top of their Champions League group, but the goalkeeper wants to see more.
“The game seems to be to not take responsibility, to say that someone else is favourite because of budget, revenue, etc,” Buffon told Corriere della Sera.
“I find it ridiculous. On paper Juve are the strongest, that’s a fact. The pitch is about winning though, which is a different thing.
“I think Juve must improve, because if we have European ambitions then what we’re doing and what we’re showing on the pitch right now might not be enough.
“The Champions League? I believe in meritocracy, if I deserve it I’ll win. Otherwise no.”
Buffon was then asked about new signings, with suggestions Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic were signed to weaken Napoli and Roma, as well as strengthen Juve.
“I don’t know if it was done with that objective, but the players signed were to improve and to develop a different style of football that we’re not yet expressing entirely.
“What has impressed me about Higuain? His professionalism and positivity. I challenge anyone to come in and be the best and highest paid striker and sit on the bench four times, yet he’s been an example on and off the pitch.
“We need people like that, just as we need [Medhi] Benatia or Dani Alves. The choice of new players has been outstanding.”
This weekend sees the Old Lady take on Milan, with Carlos Bacca in prolific form.
“He’s a bird of prey,” Buffon noted.
“If the numbers tell the truth [Bacca scores with every second shot] then he’ll score, because last year he got a shot away and I saved it.
“I hope he gets stopped before that, but he has the goalscoring instinct, he always knows where to put the ball.
“Do I like this new Milan? Very much. They have an avant-garde Coach [Vincenzo Montella], he brings calm and a love of being daring.
“It seems like Juve’s project of a few years ago, they just need time and experience to improve.”