Carlos Tevez believes Juventus are “still favourites” against Roma, but he actually prefers Max Allegri to Antonio Conte.
Carlos Tevez believes Juventus are “still favourites” against Roma, but he actually prefers Max Allegri to Antonio Conte.
The two joint Serie A leaders go head-to-head on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It’s too early to say this is a Scudetto showdown, as in the long run the Champions League can sap a lot of energy out of teams. Watch out for Inter, Milan and Napoli,” Tevez told the Corriere dello Sport.
“Before coming to Italy, I did not expect Roma to be such a strong side. They were a surprise for me. This season they have reduced the gap, as Rudi Garcia’s squad can comfortably face all their competitions.
“I think Roma are stronger now, but Juventus are still the favourites.”
Juventus have changed relatively few players, but are under new Coach Allegri this term.
“Conte left us that desire to win and the mentality of always being protagonists. With Allegri everything changed, from our tactics to the way we prepare for games. I must admit I like my new position more.
“My future? I confirm what I’ve always said, that I want to end my career at Boca Juniors, but I am taking it one day at a time.”
The clubs had mixed fortunes in the Champions League this week, as Roma earned a 1-1 draw at Manchester City with Francesco Totti’s historic lob, while Juve lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid.
“We could’ve drawn against Atletico, as they didn’t do much more than we did. Having said that, we should do even more. Our objective is to maintain the same pace in the Champions League that we do in Serie A, so in that sense the defeat in Madrid could serve us well.
“Against Manchester City, Totti just confirmed what a great player he is. Everyone knows his quality, but what really impressed me was his hunger and determination at the age of 38. That’s not easy to maintain if you wear the same jersey for many years.
“Totti is the image of Roma. It won’t be enough to just stop him, though, as he is surrounded by champions.
“I already knew Iturbe from his time at River Plate and I think he can do great things. He reminds me of myself,” smiled Tevez.
“I also know Paredes and think he can do well, as Roma are the ideal squad for his maturation process.”