Genoa midfielder Alexander Merkel is well aware of the task that is facing his side when they entertain Juventus in Serie A this weekend.
The Germany Under-20 international has praised the Bianconeri following their Scudetto success last season.
Genoa midfielder Alexander Merkel is well aware of the task that is facing his side when they entertain Juventus in Serie A this weekend.
The Germany Under-20 international has praised the Bianconeri following their Scudetto success last season.
“Last year we came close to victory against Juventus and we will try again this time around,” he said on Thursday after the two draws between the sides in 2011-12.
“They are strong in every department and have great players. We can beat Juve, but we need a great game played by all.”
Merkel is back at Marassi after spending half of last season with Milan, but he doesn’t know whether he will have a role to play against the Old Lady.
“Will I play? I don't know, the Coach will decide,” he added. “We suffered defeat to Catania last time out and we can't repeat the mistakes we made against them.”
Merkel also commented on the deadline day arrival of Marco Borriello, the former Milan and Roma forward who spent last term on loan at Juve.
“I know Borriello well,” Merkel stated. “This year we will have the chance to play well together, starting with a bang on Sunday!”