Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero believes Cristiano Ronaldo was the deciding factor for the club in last seasons Champions League and that the Portuguese forward will only do better this time round.
Speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Del Piero recounted Juve’s failure last season and was first asked if, as a Juventus supporter, he was optimistic about the season ahead.
“Two finals in the last five editions,” Del Piero began, “an experienced and competitive team, the player that makes the difference: Ronaldo. It is not a question of being optimistic, it is awareness of the strength of an excellent team. And sooner or later that moment will come”
The elimination with Ajax was deemed a failure, did Ale’ share the general disappointment?
“Disappointment is acceptable, the word failure after the eighth league championship in a row, no. The elimination against Ajax still burns and it will be an extra motivation.”
Del Piero has always rejected the concept of Juve being cursed in the Champions League, what is it then?
“Juve played two mediocre games against a team that has proved stronger. Indeed, I would say three mediocre games out of four, also counting the first leg against Atletico. If a team plays better and beats you, it’s not a curse: it’s sport.”
Talk turned to Cristiano Ronaldo’s first season in Turin and what is expected for the upcoming campaign
“In the knockout phase, Juventus scored 5 goals in 4 games: Ronaldo scored them all – A significant fact about how important it is to have a player like that in decisive moments. Cristiano is not enough to win, but it can’t be said that he did not do what he was bought for. And he will do even better this season.”
How can victory anxiety be conquered?
“Only by winning. There is no way to avoid wishing to win with all your strength. From personal experience, I know that that desire is an inexhaustible engine.
Does the historic motto of Juve (“Winning is not important, it is the only thing that matters”) risks becoming counterproductive in Europe?
“It is counterproductive to take the phrase of the great president Giampiero Boniperti to the letter, which meant only to describe in a very effective way what it means to play for Juventus, to have the winning mentality, to give everything to reach a goal.”
A year ago Del Piero said ‘We are all too quickly forgetting about Dybala. He will be fundamental’
“The situation is now more complex, but I am sure that Paulo can still be decisive. The problem now is that it depends not only on him, but on the opportunities he will have.
“When his time comes, he will acquit himself. A player with that kind of talent can’t lose it.”
Were you more surprised by Allegri’s dismissal or Sarri’s choice?
“Honestly, from Allegri’s leaving, I thought he would stay. As for Sarri, he is a great team coach, I am not surprised that Juve has focused on him for a new project, on a completely different basis from the past.”
