Ahead of Juventus’ crucial Champions League clash against Stuttgart, goalkeeper Mattia Perin addressed the media, sharing insights on his role, the team’s philosophy, and his future with the club.
Team Atmosphere and Approach
Perin began by discussing the team’s mindset: “There’s a lot of enthusiasm in the locker room, but there always is. We’re developing this ability to not let ourselves be influenced, but to find motivation and enthusiasm. This is what pleases us the most. The desire and the beauty of being together. Great enthusiasm, energy, we try to put it into the matches.”
On the start of the season, he added: “Very well, I’m very happy. We’re building something new, a new philosophy. I try to bring experience, enthusiasm, and passion, including for what concerns me.”
Future Ambitions and Contract Talks
When asked about the team’s potential, Perin responded philosophically: “We’ll discover it only by living. We like to stay in the present, the space where everyone can give their best. Then the more you can give something, the more you can raise your dreams. The present says Stuttgart. Our head is on tomorrow’s game, it’s very difficult.”
Regarding his future at Juventus, Perin revealed: “We’re talking about a contract renewal. We’ll see in the near future. There’s a desire to continue, and I’m happy. In the coming days, there will be news.”
Role in the Team
Perin addressed his position in the team, stating: “I don’t feel like a second-choice goalkeeper, they don’t make me feel that way. I feel like a co-starter. The coach makes choices. There are those who play more and those who play less. We have to make it difficult for them, knowing that we’re ready to take the field. We are 23 possible starters. I believe this is the direction of football in the future.”
He elaborated on the goalkeeper situation: “With Michele [Di Gregorio], like with Carlo [Pinsoglio], whom I’ve known for a long time, we’re building an excellent relationship. He’s a strong goalkeeper. We push each other to improve. There’s healthy competition.”
Playing Style and Team Philosophy
On the team’s new approach, Perin explained: “It’s not just about attacking, but defending. The goalkeeper is the first attacker, the striker the first defender. But it’s also a mental state, what we’re building is a mental state, an attitude that develops with attitude, with self-knowledge.”
He added: “The coach and staff are trying to simplify, help us, shortening the times of this philosophy.”
Champions League Motivation
Perin shared his personal motivation for Champions League matches: “Personally, when I was 6-7 years old, I dreamed of playing in the Champions League. If I could have expressed a wish, I wanted to play 1 Champions League game. Growing up, ambitions change, you find ambitions to improve yourself. It’s the maximum for a footballer, if you can’t find motivation here, where can you find it?”
Mental Aspect and Personal Growth
On the importance of mental preparation, Perin concluded: “The mental aspect is fundamental, in all areas. It makes up 80% of a person. Especially in football, but everywhere. Even in your field. Everything we do, where we can make a difference, even to help people… We have the possibility to be listened to by many people, by taking care of mental aspects we can overcome difficulties more easily.”
