Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli addressed the media ahead of the club’s Champions League opener against PSV Eindhoven. The Italian international shared his thoughts on the team’s return to Europe’s elite competition and his personal growth under new manager Thiago Motta.
Locatelli expressed the team’s excitement for their Champions League return, stating, “We missed it last year. It’s the most important competition for clubs. We’re excited and can’t wait to take the field. Hearing the anthem is special, and we want to do it in front of our fans who will support us.”
Reflecting on his evolving role within the team, Locatelli acknowledged, “We’ve changed. I’m one of the players who’s been here the longest, so in some ways, I need to set an example. We’re a young group of good guys with a desire to achieve, so it’s important.”
The midfielder praised the new additions to Juventus’ midfield, saying, “They’ve certainly brought in strong midfielders, players with a lot of quality and experience that raise the team’s level. We have different characteristics, but it’s a pleasure to play with them, and we work well together.”
Locatelli also addressed his adaptation to Thiago Motta’s playing style: “I’m comfortable with how we move on the field. I’m happy, but the work has just begun, and so has the season, so we need to focus on daily work.”
When asked about his national team aspirations, Locatelli replied, “Clearly, the national team is one of my goals, but I’m focused and happy with my work at the club. Returning to the national team is obviously an objective.”
Discussing his role in the new Juventus setup, Locatelli explained, “We need to occupy spaces well. I need to be the one who maintains balance, and sometimes I can push forward. With the quality we have, we can agree on everything.”
Locatelli candidly addressed his performance last season: “It’s not a question of serenity, but how I fit in, how we move. Last year, I know I had a difficult year, I admit it. I focused on working to improve myself. I spoke with the manager right away, and he was clear. We’re working well, and we’re here to continue doing so.”
On the team’s preparation for the Champions League, Locatelli emphasized, “I believe fear shouldn’t exist. We all want to play. The competition demands maturity, but we’re here for this. We start again from work and the desire to fight for every ball, and I think that’s the most important thing.”
Looking ahead to the PSV match, Locatelli concluded, “It won’t be easy. They’re a great team, but it’s a matter of attitude, of recovering the ball quickly, dynamics that we find. We need to keep control of the game.”
