Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has warned Real Madrid that his team’s focus has been on them despite the Italians winning their domestic title.
The Bianconeri sealed a fourth successive Scudetto at the weekend, yet former Athletic Bilbao frontman Llorente says there has been no time for celebrations ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg clash between the sides.
“We don’t fear anybody and we can play a great game against them. After all, there's no hiding the fact that it will take a super Juventus to knock out the Spanish side,” he told Tuttosport.
“I don't consider these the two matches of the year, but the matches of a lifetime. Few players in the world have the opportunity to play for such prestigious trophies, but we do.
“Winning the Scudetto was fantastic, but the joy didn't last very long. How could we not be thinking of Real? We need to prepare ourselves well and that's why our celebrations have been limited.
“Last year I didn't start very well, I had a thousand problems. Then I unblocked myself and scored many goals, turning it into an important season.
“This season I haven’t done as well. I’ve failed to contribute as much, but I have still managed to score some decisive goals.
“And just in this recent period I have managed to get back the style of those better times.”
The 30-year-old also spoke about Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“He has done really well. I remember at first when nobody wanted him – I mean those outside of the team, not us players.
“He managed to win us over right away. He started out on tip-toe, then he integrated his ideas.
“He's good and he understands you. He’s competitive at the highest level, just like his staff. We can still go very far with him.”
