Marchisio sees a prepared Juve

Claudio Marchisio has outlined his belief that Juventus will be prepared to face Real Madrid for Tuesday evening’s Champions League encounter.

Los Blancos travel out to Turin for the fourth round of group stage matches this midweek, having defeated the Bianconeri two weeks ago at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“[Giorgio] Chiellini’s sending off changed the game, but even when down to 10 we played an excellent game in terms of our attention and chances created,” considered Marchisio to reporters this week.

“We must do this again on Tuesday night, whilst being cautious of their threat on the counter through the likes of Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, who all break with extreme pace.  

“Real have plenty of strong players up front who sometimes help out less in defensive areas, thus putting their backline under pressure.

“We managed to defend well in Spain, enjoy possession and cause them problems.

“Plus, in Turin, we’ll be able to count on the support of our fans, who will provide a red-hot atmosphere at the stadium.

“We haven’t had a great deal of time in which to prepare for the game, but encounters like these provide plenty of motivation by themselves.”

Juve head into the fixture in improved form, with three League wins from three and no goals conceded.

“Previously we gave very little away but conceded goals, now we’re not just keeping clean sheets – we’re also preventing our opponents from having shots on goal. It’s important.”

Marchisio mused on Carlo Ancelotti’s situation in the Spanish capital.

“It was the same with Jose Mourinho and other managers they’ve had. It’s just like it is here at Juventus, if you’re off top spot, even after two back-to-back titles, people talk about problems.

“Real have great champions, can spend a great deal of money and are surrounded by huge expectations.

“Ancelotti is an excellent manager who has done well wherever he’s been. I wish him all the best in Madrid, but only domestically, not in the Champions League…”

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