Manuel Locatelli is wanting ahead to main Juventus into their new Champions League marketing campaign as membership captain, and says that the Bianconeri are filled with confidence forward of their opener towards Borussia Dortmund following their .
Juventus get their Champions League marketing campaign underway with a go to from Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night, kicking off at 20.00 BST.
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Locatelli: Juventus ‘regrets’ about final yr’s early elimination
EMPOLI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus reacts throughout the Serie A match between Empoli and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 14, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Picture by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Photographs)
Locatelli joined head coach Tudor for the pre-match on Monday night. Here’s what the Juve skipper needed to say:
“We’re coming in thrilling and this match brings quite a lot of enthusiasm after successful the Derby d’Italia. So it’s definitely a great factor, we’re excited, we’re doing properly and we’re assured.
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“The Champions League begins tomorrow, which is the most effective competitors there’s. We’re at house and there will likely be a fantastic environment, listening to that music will likely be very particular and we’re all very excited.”
What have Juventus discovered after their early elimination within the play-off spherical final season?
“We had regrets about our elimination final yr. The group is in fine condition, we’re coaching properly collectively. We method it giving 100%, at house, in entrance of our followers, it’s essential to start out properly.
“There are groups which might be stronger than us, however our secret is that once we are compact, we’re strong and we need to work laborious. The aim is to try to get so far as doable, we have now to be prepared for any surprises. We have now to be enthusiastic and have a need to play as a crew.”
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Does Locatelli really feel that there’s already a notable enchancment about Juventus in comparison with their exhibiting below Thiago Motta final season?
“We’ve solely performed three video games, however what I can say is that we’ve been a crew.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, celebrates with Kenan Yildiz after the crew’s victory within the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at Allianz Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Picture by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Photographs)
“We’re working properly with the coach, we completed properly below him final yr and beginning once more with him and his workers has been essential. It was essential to get to know one another higher throughout the Membership World Cup, and it was additionally essential from a private standpoint. However sure, possibly we’re extra of a bunch than final yr.”
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Locatelli was requested if he feels that the Champions League is gained in assault relatively than in defence.
He replied: “It’s a distinct competitors, there’s quite a lot of high quality in assault. There are numerous groups that play otherwise. Final yr PSG gained due to their high quality up entrance, but in addition due to Donnarumma’s saves.”
And eventually, does Locatelli really feel extra possession of this Juventus facet now that he has been appointed captain?
“I’m proud now that I’m the captain, it’s surpassed all of my desires. A captain needs to be an instance in coaching and in on a regular basis life.”