Juventus Chief Football Officer Francesco Calvo confirms the April 19 appeal will dictate their plans for this season and the next, but warns Dusan Vlahovic ‘is at the centre of our project for the future.’
The Europa League quarter-final against Sporting CP kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“These are special games, especially for us directors, as the players get to focus on what they need to do on the field and not talk about extra subjects,” Calvo told Sky Sport Italia.
He was referring to the inevitable questions on the upcoming appeal against the 15-point Serie A penalty, which could decide whether Juve qualify for the Champions League next season or not.
“We have no real sensations as of today what will happen, we too can only wait for April 19, a date we’ve been waiting for over the last few months. Then we will know what our objectives are for the rest of this season, along with the Coppa Italia and Europa League.
“We are also drawing up various options for next season. The club ownership is solid and this makes planning for next year easier, or at the least less difficult.”
Sporting CP are not to be underestimated, as they eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League Round of 16, who were one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
“Sporting are unbeaten in 11 games, they eliminated Arsenal and our players are well aware that they are still in the running for a trophy, which ought to make them proud and motivated.”
Dusan Vlahovic is on the bench this evening after suffering from an ankle problem, but much has been said about his future, which could be on the transfer market.
“Vlahovic is at the centre of our project for the future and there are no doubts on that,” assured Calvo.
“He still needs to express himself at his best and, aside from the media clamour, we see daily how much he wants to improve, which makes us hopeful for the future. This might not be his best period for Juventus, but we are confident going forward.”