Juventus captain Danilo admits he is ‘sad’ for those teammates who have been cut from the squad, but ‘it is right that the club and coach make decisions.’
The Bianconeri played their traditional pre-season friendly test against the Next Gen youth team, although rather than at the training ground, they were in front of 40,000 fans at the Allianz Juventus Stadium.
The senior side won 4-0 with goals from Danilo, Tim Weah, Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram.
Once again, they were without the players who Thiago Motta made clear have no future in Turin, including Federico Chiesa, Arkadiusz Milik, Wojciech Szczesny, Weston McKennie and Mattia De Sciglio.
“We are working hard and have to concentrate on those who are here,” Danilo told Sky Sport Italia.
“Of course, it’s sad for some teammates, there is a strong rapport, but it is right that the club and coach make decisions. We have to concentrate on those who are available.
“It is not an easy situation for anyone to deal with. I wish them the best for the future, we experienced great moments together.”
Danilo tries to keep peace at Juventus
While Max Allegri tended to use a 3-5-2 formation, Thiago Motta is changing to a 4-3-3 system and that brings something new from the Brazilian defender too.
“I’ve always played as a full-back, a centre-back or in a three-man defence over the years. It is so limiting to try locking players down to a single position. Players need to understand the space, the timing and the ability to play anywhere.
“The coach asks us to show courage, to fill the spaces that people are not expecting, so we can create something new.”
Even with a new coach, Danilo is confirmed as the captain of the Old Lady.
“I am proud, my work goes beyond just the image of wearing the armband. I work at 360 degrees to help Juventus do their best on the field. I am happy to be back home after the summer, the coach gave me a couple of extra days off and those were important to recharge my batteries.”
There was some tension among the Juventus fans when some jeered Manuel Locatelli during the match, while others responded by drowning them out with applause.
“He has experience, he can deal with it. It is important that the fans unite like a family in this season and stick together. Locatelli is an important player for us, on the field and in the locker room, we stick together.”
Danilo also needs to go
That’s right… danilo needs to go also
Danilo deserve to stay with the armband