Juventus winger Angel Di Maria says he in talks with the club over his future and hails Max Allegri as a ‘great coach’. The Argentine was speaking ahead of the Bianconeri’s Europa League semi-final with Sevilla, and insisted that there are no regrets the club for having dropped out of the Champions League. Talking in the pre-game presser, D Maria talked through the difficulties of having to adapt to a new league and what he has learned with his new teammates:
“This is the second time I’ve played the Europa League, I only did it with Benfica. It is important to win this title, many people tell me that I am now a world champion, but all titles count. We all want to reach this final and finish in the top four in the league.”
“The future? We are discussing it with the club, I am calm and waiting for the end of the season. It absolutely does not change things whether we go to the Champions League or not. I am comfortable here. We try to keep the focus on the league, so far we have been good. If you had seen the training we did just now you would have seen that we are happy and training, having fun. What is said outside does not matter to us, it has been a difficult year but I have found a great group.”
“I had injuries this season, it was difficult to be able to prove myself. However, I gained more confidence, more trust, and that helped me improve my performance. I’ve had great coaches and even with Allegri I’m doing well, he’s a great coach but he makes us train differently from others. That’s why it took me a little longer to settle in, I’ve improved, I’m fit and I feel like I’ve shown that in the last period.
“Italian football is much more tactical, you have to defend a lot and come out on the counterattack. Except for Napoli, who plays a different game with Osimhen. You get a lot of ball possession, I am used to this because we did it at PSG , however, it cost me effort to learn how to come out fast on the counterattack. It took me a while, however, every practice and game helps you grow.”
“The Champions League? There are no regrets, we only think of ourselves. Juve’s youngsters already have their heads ready to face this competition, they have great quality. I have seen continuous growth and this is a virtue that we have to give credit to the coach who makes them play. They need continuity, the Europa League semifinal is a unique opportunity: this occasion will change their lives, it is a unique experience to learn how to face matches of this level.”
