Andrea Pirlo ‘saw the right performance’ from Juventus as they beat Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in the Champions League and feels ‘ready’ for Barcelona.
Federico Chiesa, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata got the goals in Turin, although they were already qualified for the Round of 16.
Andrea Pirlo ‘saw the right performance’ from Juventus as they beat Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in the Champions League and feels ‘ready’ for Barcelona.
Federico Chiesa, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata got the goals in Turin, although they were already qualified for the Round of 16.
“I’ve never seen a team dominate for 90 minutes, especially not in the Champions League, so there is going to be some defending to do,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am pleased with the performance and we had the right psychological approach. Even if we are already qualified, we must always play to win, so I saw the right team performance and it was a positive sign we needed for ourselves.”
Pirlo’s comments yesterday, that criticism meant he was ‘annoying’ some people, stirred up some controversy.
“I know that I am young and need to improve, so I try to carry on with my work one day at a time. That’s all I meant.”
Alvaro Morata was on target yet again this evening, along with Federico Chiesa and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Morata arrived very young at Juventus, he returned from his experiences in Madrid and London a more mature person and player. He feels happy and free of pressure, so that helps anyone give their best.
“We wanted him at all costs and are very happy to have him.”
Chiesa not only scored a goal, but effectively created the other two as well.
“I am happy for Federico, as he’d been looking for a goal for some time and I told him he didn’t always need me to indicate the run he had to make to finish off the move. I think he needed this goal.”
There is still a slim chance that Juventus can take the top spot in their head-to-head with Barcelona, but they need to win by three clear goals.
“These were the easiest games to prepare as a player, so I hope the same will be true as a coach. These fixtures really focus the mind, the motivation comes by itself and I feel ready. Before that, we have a derby to focus on with Torino.”