Juventus vice-president Pavel Nedved admits ‘the last five days were pretty tough,’ but the team must show a reaction against Zenit in the Champions League.
It kicks off at 20.00 GMT, you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Manchester United on the LIVEBLOG.
Champions League liveblog: Atalanta vs. Man United and Juventus vs. Zenit
“Anything could happen today, but this is a decisive game we must play to win so that we can qualify for the next phase of the tournament,” Nedved told Juventus TV.
A point would be enough to secure the Bianconeri’s spot in the Round of 16, because they have won all three matches so far in the Champions League.
On the other hand, Juve have one point from the last three Serie A rounds, including back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Sassuolo and Hellas Verona.
That run promoted the club to put the squad into a training retreat, which will last until Saturday’s next match against Fiorentina.
“The last five days were pretty tough, we are coming off two unexpected defeats, especially the one at home to Sassuolo, which was a real blow.
“We didn’t react immediately, but this is another opportunity to turn things around. We must be fired up, angry and concentrated so we can go get that result.”
Juve, Nedved: “Cinque giorni pesanti, ma stasera è una gara decisiva: prendiamocela” https://t.co/fbk2WtN5P7
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) November 2, 2021
Shareholders recently questioned Nedved’s reaction, I tell Nedved next time just don’t kick chairs – throw them in the air. He is correct to be angry and react, Juve needs to be in the top 4 always. And this retreat isolation thing is the best thing for Juventus! You see today 4-2 that’s what we need with this team-discipline, focus!