French midfielder Adrien Rabiot believes Juventus are not out of the title race yet and believes he has improved a lot under coach Max Allegri. The 27-year-old has been one of the Bianconeri’s key players this season, becoming a vital part of the midfield. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he discussed Juve’s season so far and his call up to the France team to play in his first World Cup:
It’s a dream that wasn’t realized four years ago in Russia, now instead I’m enjoying it to the fullest, thinking back even to the earliest, most intense memories as a child. In particular, the 2006 World Cup with Zidane’s great comeback, the cheering at every game, it’s pity for the final that we lost on penalties against Italy….”
Mission impossible for France in Qatar?
“Nothing is impossible, in life as in soccer. It will be complicated, because it is already difficult when you are not among the favorites. As defending champions, everyone will want to beat us. It’s a good collective challenge, but we want to write history. In any case, it is a unique experience for any player.”
Head coach Dider Deschamps calls you a ‘player of balance’
“We often talk about it. I had defined myself that way and he agreed with me. A balanced player is the one who makes the link between attack and defense, with the right position and tactical thinking, to read and understand the game, adapt to situations, with or without the ball, reacting to the movements of teammates.”
How much did these four years at Juventus serve you, and in particular the seasons with Allegri, who had strongly wanted you in Turin, before giving way to Sarri?
“I also learned a lot with Sarri, but these seasons with Allegri allowed me to improve so much. This year, for example, I am studying a lot of videos with one of his deputies, Paolo Bianco. It’s work that then serves me well in the national team as well, although we obviously play differently here.”
Juventus is now third: do you believe in the Scudetto?
“Given the roster, I never had any doubts about the possibility of fighting for the title. The beginning was not easy because of injuries. We never played at full strength, but we had the goal of returning to the top before the World Cup, to challenge Napoli in January, who made an incredible start to the season. But they, too, will lose a few points along the way; it’s up to us to take advantage of that. Ten points seems like a lot, but the season is long. The return of Chiesa and Pogba will do us good, as will the contribution of youngsters like Fagioli, Miretti, Soulé and Iling Junior. Together we can aim for the Scudetto. It is almost a pity to stop now because a change of mentality has been triggered and we have created the right climate, with energy and enthusiasm.”
