Pavel Nedved warns Juventus ‘can’t even get 45 minutes wrong’ in their Champions League Round of 16 clash with FC Porto and Andrea Pirlo ‘can’t wait.’
The first leg kicks off at the Estadio do Dragao at 20.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Pavel Nedved warns Juventus ‘can’t even get 45 minutes wrong’ in their Champions League Round of 16 clash with FC Porto and Andrea Pirlo ‘can’t wait.’
The first leg kicks off at the Estadio do Dragao at 20.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“This is a play-off and similar to last season against Lyon, as Porto are a side accustomed to reaching the Round of 16 in the Champions League. We face them with respect, knowing that we are strong and want to reach the next phase,” the vice-president told JTV.
“The knockout rounds are different to the rest, you can’t even get 45 minutes wrong and the tie is compromised. This is the key moment of the season and everything is decisive.”
It is the first Champions League knockout fixture for Andrea Pirlo as a coach.
“Pirlo prepared the game very well, he likes this type of match. It’s a competition everyone enjoys and that is still true even on the bench, he can’t wait to get out there with his lads and make his mark. We expect a strong response from the players.”
Porto have kept five consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League and only lost once, the 3-1 opener to Manchester City.
“They are a tough team to face, with a fine coach. I remember Sergio Conceicao prepared so well for games even when he was a player.
“He’s had a great career path as a coach, learning the ropes, winning here and in Belgium. Porto defend well and go on rapid counter-attacks. It’s going to be difficult.”
Nedved also spoke to Sky Sport Italia about the decision to start Dejan Kulusevski with Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We brought down the average age of the squad this season, brought in a new coach, and these lads are getting to know Juventus.
“We’re happy with what we’ve achieved so far, but we are going into the decisive moments of the campaign now, so we will try to be ready.
“There are some important players missing, but that cannot be an excuse when we have such a strong squad. Those who step in will be up to the task.”