Chiesa: ‘Milan only in UCL because it was taken away from Juventus’

Federico Chiesa reflected on Juventus’ off-pitch issues last season and noted how he now feels at his ‘best physically and mentally’.

The Bianconeri were rocked by various legal concerns last campaign which saw them be given a point deduction by the FIGC, leaving them seventh in the table by the end of the term. An agreement was reached with UEFA to suspend them from the Conference League for this season.

Chiesa suffered a cruciate ligament rupture last year and only began to return to action in the second half of the 2022-23 season. The winger has featured more prominently this campaign, scoring four goals in his first seven league games.

Speaking on pages two to seven of today’s Tuttosport, Chiesa first discussed his physical condition this season.

“I’m good, actually, I’m really good. The recovery process from the injury is now behind me. I really don’t want to hear the word recovery anymore. Now I’m at my best both physically and mentally.”

He was asked if he enjoyed playing in a more central role.

“If anything, that is a perception that comes from the outside. I only think about working hard to improve every day, with confidence in the coach’s choice to advance me forward. And I think I’ve started well this season.”

The former Fiorentina man challenged the claim that he doesn’t get along well with Massimiliano Allegri.

“But come on, I get along with everyone!”

He also gave his thoughts on modern football and how Juventus are trying to implement that.

“It’s an idea that includes the intention of pressing the opponent high, as well as that of being more proactive as possible with the ball at our feet, everything we are trying to do, in short.

“Even if there is match after match, we need to find the correct balance and maturity as a collective to understand the moments, because this is what distinguishes the great teams.”

Chiesa discussed the Bianconeri’s ambitions this season.

“We have come for two years in a row without trophies, this does not please the club and, probably, it also affects the perception of the team from the outside.

“But our objective is to qualify for the next Champions League, as we had already done last year, when the result was taken away from us after we had achieved it on the pitch.

“Then, for goodness sake, let’s see where we will be in March… at that point we will understand if we can aspire to something more!”

He was asked about the club’s various legal issues last term.

“With the thought, as far as I’m concerned, that it would have been more correct to address the issue at the end of the season.

“With the season underway, however, it was really difficult to manage. You can also expect sanctions, but when you see in concrete terms the table suddenly changed…

“We took to the pitch always giving our all, it obviously hurt to see a sudden downgrading. And then the points taken away, given back and taken away again, it wasn’t easy to digest at all.”

The 25-year-old commented on how the squad reacted to the legal issues.

“A great desire for revenge emerged. At times, however, it proved difficult to even be able to express that. As happened in Empoli, for example, when we were informed of the penalty a few minutes after entering on the pitch.

“The mantra had become that of trying to fight against everything and everyone, the opponents, but also all the external factors. Today no one talks about it anymore in the locker room, neither the players nor the coach. Finally, we have a truly free head to think only about the pitch.”

He spoke about the leaders in the Juventus squad.

“We have captain Danilo, who is the wisest of all. And then experienced elements like Szczesny or Rabiot who, in turn, gives a lot of advice within the walls of the dressing room. They are the ones who talk the most, who communicate with the whole group.

“Of course, I’m in my fourth year in Turin and, together with teammates like Vlahovic and Milik, who is listened to a lot, we try to have our say and form as much of a group as possible.”

Chiesa touched on his relationship with Dusan Vlahovic.

“We were already great friends in Florence, from when he was still in the Primavera, so it was very nice to find him again in black and white. And together, up front, we also got off to a pretty good start. Don’t worry: Dusan is very well!”

He gave his thoughts on the work of the Italian teams in the Champions League this season.

“Eh… I watch them, I watch them (he smiles, pauses, looks around, ed.). And I’m even a little bit annoyed, but only because we deserved that stage, and it was taken away from us.

“Milan finished fifth and are now competing in the Champions League only because it was taken away from us…”

The 25-year-old was asked if he likes the pressure at Juventus.

“I came to Turin on purpose!”

Finally, Chiesa was asked about the summer transfer window and if a move away ever seemed possible.

“The only voice I heard in the summer, to be honest, was precisely that of director Giuntoli, with whom we agreed that the priority was to prepare for the new season as best as possible.

“English, above all, helps me to communicate fluently with McKennie and Weah inside the locker room!”