Juventus are still 'a few steps behind' the major teams in the Champions League, says Pavel Nedved, but they can 'have their say' against anyone.
The Bianconeri are scheduled to face Borussia Dortmund on February 24 in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season yet, but the Czech Ballon d'Or winner took a realistic approach.
Juventus are still 'a few steps behind' the major teams in the Champions League, says Pavel Nedved, but they can 'have their say' against anyone.
The Bianconeri are scheduled to face Borussia Dortmund on February 24 in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season yet, but the Czech Ballon d'Or winner took a realistic approach.
“We are absolutely not the favourites, we are still a few steps behind compared to Real [Madrid], Barcelona or Bayern [Munich], but we can have our say against anyone,” he said in an interview with Tuttosport.
“It's a matter of mentality. Before thinking about these fixtures, though, there's the match against Borussia [Dortmund], and it's not going to be easy.
“I know they're not doing well in the Bundesliga, but in the Champions League their performance becomes wholly different. I see our chances as 50-50.
“Of course we're satisfied about our seven-point lead over Roma, especially now that we're in the second half of Serie A, but the Champions League is behind the corner and that drains a lot of energy.
“You can tell by the results of many teams that deal with the Cup as well as with the championship, often their performances decline.
“We must stay extremely focussed all the way to the end. We must never think of the advantage we have over Roma and play every game as though it were the last, and decisive for the Scudetto.
“Besides, seven points are essentially two lost games. It doesn't take much to blow them away.”
Nedved closed with some remarks on his role as a director.
“Even after five years I'm not used to it, it's so different from being a player. But I like it and I'm trying to learn.
“Myself as the President? I'm more than satisfied with my current role, which is keeping me very busy. Let's not rush things.”