TORINO (ITALPRESS) – “With Mourinho there was a first time when we said something, more him than me, then we were esteemed, appreciated, heard on the phone several times. It will be a pleasure to meet him. But in the games where Mourinho rises the volume of football, for me being on the other bench is a reason for pride”. Luciano Spalletti said this, on the eve of Juve-Benfica, race valid for the penultimate day of Champions and scheduled tomorrow.
“From Mourinho, in the aspect of the preparation of the match, you always expect something different. It is an important challenge both for us and for them, it is a direct confrontation for which I expect an aggressive Benfica, which will come to play, I am convinced that it will be a beautiful and interesting challenge – Spalletti added. When playing against clubs like Benfica, you don’t only face a team but a piece of football history, an identity. Portuguese teams suck at their rhythms and if you’re not prepared to end up inside and when you notice it’s already late. We have all the possibilities to prevent what we will face tomorrow night and expect players to express their qualities.”.
The decisive moment for the Champions League, but also last days of the market. “Reinforcing? These are things you have to ask executives, I do another job. I accepted this Juve and I expect nothing. If they ask me what I think, I’ll tell them, but it’s the same from the first time I’ve been expressing myself on this. I’m confident that I can go and fight for our goals with the players in here. Then accidents can make a difference but I’m very happy with the players I have available. In addition, in the appreciation of the players for what we are doing, in the enthusiasm they put in developing what we ask for, I see an important growth.” Important improvements are also seen on the game plan, an increasingly frequent subject in recent weeks. “Playerism is not in contrast to achievementism, it is a way to achieve the result, what I think gives you more chance to succeed. Each makes choices and then according to those the account is presented. We will see at the end the account that will be presented to us according to the choices we have made.”.
And speaking of final balance sheets, Spalletti also answers questions about his contractual situation. “If I sign white to stay here for a long time? I’m not ready for anything and not even Juve. We will solve this doubt in the last week of our coexistence. This is how one goes on, with consistency, until the last. I didn’t do anything to deserve to stay here many years, in football you change your mind quickly and easily. Juve has had very strong coaches and will find others, if I want to train another team, I hope to find it. The sums are down.” And then better think about the present and return to the challenge of tomorrow. “In Champions, the reflector watts are increasing and we hope to be worthy of this so strong light and make our game,” the Bianconero technician concluded.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
