Lazio Coach Stefano Pioli admits Bayer Leverkusen are ‘a tough opponent’, but ‘we know them well’.
The Biancocelesti have been drawn against the German side in the Champions League play-off round, and the tactician gave his reaction in his pre-Supercoppa Press conference in Shanghai.
“We knew we’d get a tough opponent,” Pioli told the assembled media.
Lazio Coach Stefano Pioli admits Bayer Leverkusen are ‘a tough opponent’, but ‘we know them well’.
The Biancocelesti have been drawn against the German side in the Champions League play-off round, and the tactician gave his reaction in his pre-Supercoppa Press conference in Shanghai.
“We knew we’d get a tough opponent,” Pioli told the assembled media.
“We know Leverkusen well, their players and their Coach [Roger Schmidt]. Last season they had a good Champions League campaign, we have to prepare ourselves to the fullest and show we’re competitive.”
Pioli then turned his attention to tomorrow’s Supercoppa Italiana, but would not say whether or not the gap to Juventus has closed.
“Tomorrow is another season, another adventure. We can’t think about the past and what has already been.
“We’ll start with 0 points in the table, not 69 [last year’s total]. We’ll still have the same hunger and fire, in fact we’ll have even more.
“We want to have another great season, we have to start from scratch with hunger, courage and a great spirit.
“I’ve seen a focused team, we’re ready to play a great match.
“It will be an exciting season, and a more difficult one. We’ve prepared well, we think we’re ready and we want to win the trophy.
“Juventus? It’s hard to judge transfers on paper. Juve have lost important players like [Arturo] Vidal, [Carlos] Tevez and [Andrea] Pirlo.
“But they’ve brought in players with potential, and others who are already used to playing at a certain level.
“Juventus have a winning mentality, but the pitch will decide. The important thing for us is to try and take advantage of this great opportunity.
“We’re in great condition, especially mentally. We have huge respect for our opponents, but we’re aware of our own qualities.”