Mario Mandzukic shrugs off the pressure of replacing Carlos Tevez and reveals how much he wanted to join Juventus.
He’s expected to start the Italian Super Cup against Lazio, which kicks off today at 13.00 UK time (12.00 GMT) in Shanghai.
“Do I feel pressure at replacing Tevez? Not at all,” the Croatia international told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Mario Mandzukic shrugs off the pressure of replacing Carlos Tevez and reveals how much he wanted to join Juventus.
He’s expected to start the Italian Super Cup against Lazio, which kicks off today at 13.00 UK time (12.00 GMT) in Shanghai.
“Do I feel pressure at replacing Tevez? Not at all,” the Croatia international told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I am accustomed to it, as at Bayern Munich there was huge competition between strikers. I am Mandzukic and I believe in myself. Let me play, I am sure that I’ll have a great season.
“There has always been reciprocal respect with Juventus. We’d had contact for a while and I am not surprised at being here. I wanted this move.”
Mandzukic is still settling in to Italian football and teammate Stephan Lichtsteiner is helping him with the language barrier.
“Italian training is tough, but you have to work hard in order to be well prepared. You must win over physical and mental fatigue, then you’ll reap the benefits.
“I am used to worse than this, as I worked with Felix Magath at Wolfsburg. Ask Andrea Barzagli, he was there with me…
“I like Massimiliano Allegri, as he talks to the players and you can tell he’s an excellent Coach. I will achieve great things here.”
The Super Cup is Mandzukic’s first major test in a Bianconeri jersey, facing Lazio veteran Miroslav Klose.
“Klose is one of the greats, both on the field and off it. For years he has been one of the most fearsome strikers in Europe.
“I’m not that familiar with Italian teams, so I don’t know what to expect against Lazio. It will also depend on their preparations, the turf and the heat in China.
“The important thing is to win, something Juve do well. And I believe in Juve.”