Adrien Rabiot revealed that staying at Juventus might have been the best decision this summer, while teammate Paul Pogba ‘motivates’ him every game. The Frenchman has become a leader at Juventus this season and spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the prospect of staying in Turin next term and what advice he gives to the young players who are coming through the ranks:
What advice do you give to the youngsters who have been showing off in recent months?
“To carefully follow the advice of Allegri, who is a great coach because not only does he focus on goals, which are always important at Juve, but is very pedagogical with the youngsters, insisting in training even when they make mistakes. The results can be seen, they have all improved in these months even in difficulty: the direction is the right one.”
For the first time in your career you won’t play in the Champions round of 16.
“A big disappointment, but also for Juventus. Five defeats at this level is not acceptable, but that’s how it was. But I immediately told myself that now I want to win the Europa League, among other things, it will be played against other great teams. It’s a good challenge, useful to give us the right momentum for the Scudetto as well.”
With Cuadrado you are the most used player since you arrived and now among Juve’s leaders: could you be interested in the captain’s armband?
“I already feel important, because Allegri is really counting on me. For the armband there is already a hierarchy with Bonucci, Cuadrado and Danilo. Although it might make sense to think about it, it is not a priority. The most important thing is to take Juve to the top.”
How has Serie A changed since his arrival?
“Before maybe Juve used to win with a certain ease. Now the league is much more difficult, with a strong identity, more and more followed around the world. Exciting for the fans, challenging for us on the pitch: the harder the fight, the better the victory will be in the end.”
Is Serie A then better than the Premier League where it looked like he might move last summer? You have an expiring contract, have you decided what to do?
“It is true, there were contacts in the Premier League, but in the end it was perhaps fortunate that I stayed, perhaps the best decision. The Premier League remains the most followed league, but I don’t think about the future, I stay focused on the World Cup. The club and I are in no hurry, there is serenity and we will have time to weigh every possibility.”
What is a World Cup without Italy like?
“It would have been better with Italy, reigning European champions and a good contender. The elimination is inexplicable and a real shame.”
Without Pogba and Kanté, there is more expectation of you in Qatar: how did you prepare?
“By playing every game with Juve to the maximum, to bring Juve back to the top, without thinking too much about the World Cup. I think I am at my best physically and mentally.”
Has Pogba given you a particular assignment for the World Cup?
“He actually gives me some every game, motivating me, asking me for goals, also because when he comes back he will definitely want to compete at the top. We have a good relationship, I’m sorry he’s not there. For the World Cup, he told me it’s up to me to drag France like I do with Juve. I know he is with us anyway.”
Who are the favorites or possible surprises in Qatar?
“Among the favorites is Argentina. Not only because it is Messi’s last World Cup, but because it is a quality team with the right energy. And then watch out for the Netherlands.”
France?
“Hard to compare. The expectation today is much stronger, the team has changed, there are important absences and new players to integrate. But we are very focused and very determined to go all the way.”
