Manuel Locatelli admitted Juventus have to put their ‘very difficult year’ behind them as they look ahead to a new era in Turin.
The Bianconeri spent the entirety of last season dealing with various off-pitch issues, which saw them be handed a point deduction, a fine and exclusion from European competition for the coming 2023-24 campaign.
Juventus have been in a state of change since president Andrea Agnelli’s resignation last November and are now in the early stages of their new era under sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
Speaking on page seven of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Locatelli first discussed how his third year with Juventus is different.
“I believe that the most important thing is to have enthusiasm again, we are returning from a very difficult year but now we have put it behind us.
“As a team we must have the goal of having a great year, I personally know that I have to do more, I am very ambitious, and I think I have to give a lot to this club.”
He was asked if this could be a season of rebirth for Juventus, considering their exclusion from European competitions.
“There is some regret because the Conference League is still a European competition, but I think it is an important step to close this issue and focus only on the pitch.
“This year we will have the league and the Coppa Italia, which are certainly two goals for us. Yes, I think we can talk about rebirth, because it has to be that way.”
The Italian midfielder spoke about the importance of winger Federico Chiesa.
“Fede is too important for us, he is like a true champion, but he too needs to be helped by the team. He’s back to health after the injury, he’s one of our best players and we’re betting a lot on him.”
He was asked if he could be a leader in this Bianconeri squad.
“Juve need personality and leadership, but that’s what your teammates give you. I know what it means to wear this shirt and I have to try to pass it on to others.”
Locatelli discussed Juventus’ Scudetto hopes, considering their lack of European commitments.
“It is a goal that we set ourselves even if we are in a reconstruction phase. It is essential to return to the Champions League because we want to play it again, then dreaming costs nothing.”
He spoke about the arrival of Timothy Weah.
“Timothy flies, when he runs, he is very fast. He integrated right away, he’s a guy who listens and this is very important, when you arrive at a new club and with a history like that of Juve, you have to be good at learning from those who have been here the longest.
“We have to pass on Juve’s values to him, but he is a good guy, and he will do well this year. I too hope to give him an assist, but the important thing is to win games, who scores and who assists is of little importance. This year we are focusing more on ball possession.”
He commented on if he misses playing in a more attacking role.
“I spoke to the coach about my position, I play where he thinks I can be more useful. Then it is clear that I interpret the role with my characteristics.”
Finally, Locatelli discussed his desire to break back into the Italy squad ahead of Euro 2024.
“It’s definitely a goal, the last few call-ups have been fluctuating but I want to go to the European Championship to play for them and a lot will depend on my performances with the club. Then Mancini will make his choices.”