Paulo Dybala believes Juventus have ‘a score to settle’ in the Champions League this season but warns Atletico Madrid have players ‘who can wreak real havoc’.
Juve are considered huge favourites to lift the Champions League after a 23-year wait, but standing in their way of the last eight are Atleti, who have reached two Finals in 2014 and 2016.
“Given what happened, we have a score to settle,” continued Dybala to UEFA’s official website.
Paulo Dybala believes Juventus have ‘a score to settle’ in the Champions League this season but warns Atletico Madrid have players ‘who can wreak real havoc’.
Juve are considered huge favourites to lift the Champions League after a 23-year wait, but standing in their way of the last eight are Atleti, who have reached two Finals in 2014 and 2016.
“Given what happened, we have a score to settle,” continued Dybala to UEFA’s official website.
“When you lose games like that, you always want another chance to put it right.
“Football is a sport that always offers you the chance to make amends and I think we’ll have that opportunity.
“We already know all about their playing style, how Diego Simeone sets his sides up and just how tough it’ll be.
“To reach the Final and win this competition, you have to beat whoever is in front of you and you’re never going to have any easy games.
“Atletico are very strong defensively and are very good on the counter. If you’re not alert defensively, they’ve got players who can wreak real havoc.
“The same goes for us; we know where our strengths lie and they’ll likely be working hard to try and make sure we don’t do them any damage.
“In all of the years that I’ve been at Juventus, the team has shown its potential and it’s there for all to see.
“The year before I joined, Juventus had already contested the Final against Barcelona. In my second year here, we reached the Final and last season we lost against Real Madrid [in the quarters].
“There’s no point looking back on things, we have to look to the future. We’ve got a great squad with some top professionals, who have gained a lot of experience over the course of these years. We’re clearly contenders, but we have to go out there and prove it.
“It’s obviously not easy to get that far and the team really wants to, which can ultimately go against you, but we’re in a relaxed frame of mind and always try to convey to people and those within the club that we’re doing well and want to try and reach the Final.
“But we have to take things slowly, particularly considering the strong desire within the squad. Things can turn sour and you can end up being on the receiving end of a real setback and that sometimes proves to be even more painful.
“We have to take things step by step. We know that it’ll be far from easy, but as a team we’re really up for it.”