Diego Forlan believes Juventus to be one of the favourites for the Champions League this season and expects an exciting match against Villarreal.
The Bianconeri travel to the Estadio de la Cerámica tomorrow for the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash against the Spanish side, which kicks off at 20.00 UK time. The removal of the away goal rule means that there is less incentive for the Bianconeri to push forward in tomorrow’s game.
Speaking to TuttoJuve, Forlan first discussed Juventus’ absences in tomorrow’s match.
“I’m sorry Dybala won’t be there, I would have liked to see him tomorrow night. However, Juve are a very strong team and Allegri will have substitutes who are up to the job. I expect the usual football, Villarreal will have to be very careful.”
He spoke about if Juventus will repeat the dry performance seen in the away match against Atletico Madrid in 2019.
“It’s hard to say, every game is its own story. Juve’s history we all know, they’re a club of blazon and winning. In Madrid they didn’t do well, but then they managed to pass the round with a great comeback in the return leg.
“You always have to be careful against them, never underestimate them. They’re always capable of anything.”
The former Manchester United forward touched on if the Bianconeri are one of the favourites for the Champions League this year.
“Very often we make the mistake of evaluating teams based on their performance in the national leagues. History teaches us that the Champions League has been won by clubs that were struggling at home, we can give several examples of this.
“As I said, Juve’s history and tradition are always to be respected and taken into account. For me they are always to be considered as one of the favourites for the final victory.”
He gave his thoughts on Unai Emery and Massimiliano Allegri.
“They are two great coaches, both very tactical and experienced. It will be nice to observe them and appreciate their way of playing. I am curious to see what strategy they will prepare to neutralise their opponents.”
Forlan spoke about which team was the favourite in tomorrow’s match.
“There is a lot of balance, it is difficult to make a prediction. It will certainly be important whoever does better in the first match, because that could tip the balance in favour of one of the two. Rather than making a prediction, my intention will be to enjoy two great matches.”
Finally, Forlan discussed Rodrigo Bentancur and if Juventus made a mistake selling him to Tottenham.
“I’m not the right person to make judgements. It’s part of this world, players are bought and then sold. He’s still a very young player, he has the potential to continue to grow. I think he will do very well at Tottenham.”
Forlan non ha dubbi: "La Juve è una delle favorite alla vittoria della Champions League" https://t.co/nRrxeVdmfX
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) February 21, 2022
Unfortunately Forlan is abusing the drugs after retirement, as it seems.
he looks very old on that photograph
It’ll be a miracle if they win it. But Liverpool did it with a poor squad in 2005, so anything’s possible.