Claudio Marchisio urges Juventus fans to “give it some time” and assures “you don’t need the armband to be a captain”.
The Bianconeri are seven points clear at the top of Serie A, and have already secured their place in the Champions League Last 16 with one match to spare.
Nevertheless, Max Allegri’s side have been criticised for their performances, with the midfield coming under particular scrutiny.
“There’s a lot of quality now too,” Marchisio insisted in an interview with Sky.
Claudio Marchisio urges Juventus fans to “give it some time” and assures “you don’t need the armband to be a captain”.
The Bianconeri are seven points clear at the top of Serie A, and have already secured their place in the Champions League Last 16 with one match to spare.
Nevertheless, Max Allegri’s side have been criticised for their performances, with the midfield coming under particular scrutiny.
“There’s a lot of quality now too,” Marchisio insisted in an interview with Sky.
“The characteristics have changed, which is normal. Arturo [Vidal], Andrea [Pirlo], Paul [Pogba] and I played together a lot and we achieved a lot of successes.
“Sami [Khedira] arrived last year and immediately showed the value that he has, because he’s a player of great quality and quantity and he always shows up in matches.
“Then there’s Miralem [Pjanic] who arrived this year. He has already integrated well, he’s already scored a few goals.
“So we need to give it some time so that we can integrate better as the season goes on, partly because we’re only in November.
“The old guard and the Italian nucleus is important for us, because we’re able to convey what it means to be Juventus and to wear this shirt.
“As this was taught to me, now I’m teaching it to the youngsters.
“Could I be captain? I’ve always believed that you don’t need the armband to be a captain. Even when Ale [Del Piero] was here, Gigi [Buffon] was already one even though he didn’t have the armband.
“So I think it’s to do with your character too, there are people who are predisposed to make themselves heard in the group every day.
“I’m definitely emotional when I wear it though, because of the great champions who have worn it. So whenever there has been a chance I’ve been proud and happy to wear it.”
Marchisio is coming back from a cruciate ligament injury, but wouldn’t put a percentage on his level of fitness.
“I’m not going to put a percentage on my physical condition. All I can say is that, compared to before the injury, it takes a little more time to recover after a very hard game.”