Giorgio Chiellini sees Juventus ready to take on the Champions League in ‘a different approach’, with ‘enthusiasm and desire’.
The Bianconeri are aiming to once more progress to the knockout stages of the competition, as they begin the group stage tomorrow evening at home to Malmo.
Given recent upsets suffered in the previous two editions of the tournament, one of the team’s more experienced men sees a new mentality this term as likely to make a difference.
Giorgio Chiellini sees Juventus ready to take on the Champions League in ‘a different approach’, with ‘enthusiasm and desire’.
The Bianconeri are aiming to once more progress to the knockout stages of the competition, as they begin the group stage tomorrow evening at home to Malmo.
Given recent upsets suffered in the previous two editions of the tournament, one of the team’s more experienced men sees a new mentality this term as likely to make a difference.
“There is great enthusiasm on my part, but also from the entire team and the city,” Chiellini has told reporters today.
“And I think that this is the feeling we must keep with us during this adventure – not the desire for revenge or to make up for the disappointment of last year, but just the desire to surprise and to do great things.
“I believe that with these feelings, as well as everything else that we put in place, we can certainly do great things.
“We need a different approach than in the past. Numbers count up to a certain point. Previously we paid for our mistakes and our attitude.
“It will help us to face the competition in another way. Enthusiasm and desire will be crucial.”
Carlos Tevez once more has attention on his notable scoring drought in the Champions League.
“Carlos is a key player for us and it has shown it in every game he has played since arriving. But I think that the important thing is the Champions League and Juve.
“Then, Carlos is the first not to be selfish and he is not interested in him scoring but that the team scores, that he wins with the team. Then, if tomorrow he begins right away as he has begun in the League, we are all happy.”
Juve’s opponents tomorrow night are making their group stage debut in the Champions League, but it doesn’t have Chiellini at ease.
“We do not expect an easy victory, indeed we are aware that it will be a difficult game. We experienced a major disappointment last year and two years ago against Copenhagen and Nordsjaelland and I believe that Malmo may resemble these teams.
“We are preparing in the best way for this game, aware that we could win but that we will only win in fielding the best desire, with great care and great respect for our opponents.”
Chiellini is in line for a return to the first XI following a calf injury sustained whilst on international duty.
“My physical condition is good, since Friday I have trained with the team without any trouble, so I am available to the Coach.”