Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli believes victory against Verona in the 96th minute made the win even more beautiful. The Old Lady had the ball in the net twice in regular time, only for both efforts to be cancelled due to contentious refereeing decisions. A late Andrea Cambiaso goal secured a vital win that put Juve at the top of the table for the first time in 3 years. Speaking with Sky Sport Italia, Locatelli explained why he feels he has improved in recent years since joining the Bianconeri, and confirmed that talks are underway for a new contract:
There has been a lot of talk about order and that’s where Locatelli has to give order.
“I dropped the microphone because I was moved by Alex’s (Del Piero, ed) words. We played a good game, sometimes when you don’t manage to find the goal it can be that you lose your balance, but we stayed there, the coach had asked us this, so it was fundamental, then we won it at the last and so sometimes it’s even better”.
Allegri asked you to play calmly. the team showed great maturity.
“It’s true, it’s something we’ve also seen on video in past games, where maybe when it was close to the end we were throwing balls into the box, instead we were mature, we passed the ball around well and then we found the right opening. That was very important for us because today’s win gives us great confidence, it’s good to see us there, but we must remain humble as we are doing now”.
You have grown especially in intercepting the opponents’ ball. Is that so?
“Yes, it’s something I’ve been working on a lot, something the coach has always asked me to do, it’s important for me to become a more and more complete player, so it’s something I work on every day and it’s nice when I can intercept the ball and get going again. I’m trying to improve on that too.
You have also grown in personality, taking charge of a midfield like this, which is not Sassuolo’s, is different in terms of pressure and everything. If you also scored goals it would be the best….
“It’s true, thank you very much, it’s definitely something I’m trying to improve, I have to try to get more on the edge, try to kick. Today I had an opportunity, but I stretched it out at the end and had to open up on the right. But it’s definitely something I’m aiming for because it’s something I know I have to improve, I have to try to score more goals to be even more decisive.”
Speaking in a separate interview with SportItalia, Locatelli said: “I hope the issue of renewal will be resolved soon, both I and Juventus really want it.”
