Sarri: Juventus facing trap game against Lokomotiv Moscow

Juventus take on Lokomotiv Moscow in the third matchday of the Champions League group stages, and speaking ahead of the game manager Maurizio Sarri warned against complacency from his side.

“The trap is playing against a team who are having a great season. They’ve put themselves in a good position in the Champions League, and that means this team are better than what everyone expected.

“We must have great respect for them and be very calm in the 90 minutes. It’ll be difficult.”

The manager was asked again about his attacking triad.

“Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are both fine. Anyone who plays will do so with the right peace of mind.

“Coaching Ronaldo, for me, is a source of satisfaction and pride. He has an extraordinary mentality and knows how to impose objectives on himself and the team.

“When he scored his 700th goal, he was thinking about his 800th. I think that’s important for all of us who are close to him because it’s contagious.

“He makes me understand that the difference lies is in the mentality: he has something more.”

Aaron Ramsey picked up a knock around the international break and will not be in the squad tomorrow, and he added an update on Danilo too.

“He has no problem with his muscle, tests came up negative. Under stress in training, however, he always has this feeling of fatigue in his thigh and that can be a sign of risk, so he’s working to strengthen his muscle so as not to feel these sensations.

“Danilo’s been training for a few days. I have some doubts about the fact that he can play for 90 minutes, but he’s fine.”

Adrien Rabiot wasn’t at his best last weekend but Sarri is not worried.

“Playing regularly helps every player. When there are squads as big as ours, however, it’s difficult for everyone.

“The most positive aspect about him is that he went a month without playing but returned to the field and improved.

“He can also grow during training and I’m happy about that.”

Photo by Massimiliano Ferraro/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ronaldo also spoke to the media alongside his manager, and going first, spoke about how he felt Juve had improved under Sarri.

“We’ve changed with Sarri to improve. I have more freedom. We’ve changed a lot, we’re improving and there are still things to fix but I’m very happy.

“We did a great job with Allegri, but with Sarri we’ve improved. My position has changed a bit. I always try to occupy the areas on the pitch where I feel best. I like to have freedom of movement.”

Speaking about his personal objectives for the season, Ronaldo added -

“We must fight to assert ourselves again in the League and try to win the Champions League. This is our objective. Collective results are important.

“As for the Ballon d’Or, I have nothing to say about it. It’s not important whether I win it or not. If there are individual awards, it’ll be the result of results with the team.

“Now we have a match to play, I’m thinking about that and nothing else. I like what he asks us to do on the field.

“Compared to the past, we’re creating more chances. We’re having great possession and we move around differently. I’m very happy with how things are going with the new Coach. I’m satisfied and happy with what we’re doing.”

He’s already put the 700-goal milestone he recently achieved in the rear-view mirror.

“Seven-hundred goals are already in the past. Now we must immediately think about what’s to come. Like I said before, personal records aren’t the most important thing.

“I want to win with Juventus and Portugal. Age isn’t important to me, it’s just a number.

“I’ll keep going for as long as I feel like I can do what I want. As for my teammates, we’re a great team, where everyone makes themselves ready for when the Coach needs them.

“I enjoy playing with my teammates. They’re all very strong. Dybala showed he could score goals when he was called into question before.

“It’s also happened with Higuain, but it doesn’t matter. We all must be ready.”