Juventus defender Danilo warns his teammates about Sporting CP: ‘They have eliminated Premier League leaders Arsenal…’
The Bianconeri host the Portuguese side at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.
Sporting progressed to this stage by eliminating Arsenal on penalties, while Juve knocked out Bundesliga side Freiburg.
“Surely, we must be at our best. Sporting beat Arsenal, who are the Premier League leaders, which proves their worth,” Danilo said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“We must be aware that the qualification is not decided tomorrow, it’s only the first game.”
The Brazilian centre-back has recently signed a contract extension with the Old Lady despite uncertainties over the Bianconeri’s future, mainly linked to criminal and sporting investigations into the club’s finances.
“This is my fourth season here. Time passes quickly and I’ve enjoyed every moment, even the most difficult ones,” said the ex-Manchester City and Real Madrid defender.
“There has always been great synergy since we first spoke about the renewal. I can say it’s a choice I made with my heart.
“Crisis offers an opportunity to grow. Young players have been given a chance to play consistently and everyone has responsibility, including them.
“What I am doing now it’s not too different from what I did when I arrived. There is always a hierarchy that must be respected and I’ve always done that. Help young players and try to be a reference point, especially in tough moments.”
Danilo is expected to start tomorrow alongside his compatriot Gleison Bremer and the Italian Federico Gatti.
“Physically, Bremer is stronger than anyone else,” admitted Danilo.
“You can see that in duels. He is very good off the pitch too. He is a listener and he always wants to learn. What he has to improve is part of a path, that’s what happens when you play for Juventus. He can become an even better defender.
“Gatti is an example for all of us. He arrived from Serie B and didn’t play for six or seven months, but he has always remained focused, trying to improve. He has proved that he has the quality to play for Juventus when he’s involved. He is humble and he wants to stay here.”
Dusan Vlahovic is not fully fit after sustaining an injury during Saturday’s 2-1 loss against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico but he trained alongside the rest of the team on Wednesday morning.
The Serbia international is under pressure at the Allianz Stadium with only 11 goals scored in 31 appearances this term.
“It’s part of a path. It’s a situation that he can only overcome with hard work and patience,” argued Danilo.
“We often talk, but he is calm and he only wants to do well for the team. This is a temporary situation, it will pass soon, it won’t be easy because nothing is easy, but he has the quality to overcome it.
“He makes the difference when he scores, but it’s not his only task, he helps defensively and when we have the ball. He shouldn’t only be judged for his goals.”
Juventus have lodged an appeal against a 15-point penalty and the hearing will be on April 19, on the eve of the return leg against Sporting in Portugal.
“It’s normal to be anxious, but we try not to speak too much about this. We are focused on the field. What happens off the pitch is something for the club,” concluded Danilo.