Alex: Europeans emotions

September 11, 2001
Juventus Official Site
 
"I haven't been competing in the Champions League for the past three years and now I'm really looking forward to it. The first year, when when we got knocked out by Manchester United, I was injured, the second year we made it to Uefa and last year..I'd rather forget about it, I simply did not like my performances, not at all". So much for Alex, showing how eager he's to hunt the European nights again.

Juventus captain is eager to be a protagonist again in the most prestigious club competion across Europe, where Lippi's team has already proved to be very competitive: "How could I ever forget - comment Alex - my first net against Borussia Dortmund, how could I forget three outstanding years when we made it to contest three finals in a row. We've always acted as protagonists in these competitions. As for the past season, we did make mistakes and this won't happen again; we all intend to change the course of the events and face the matches with the proper mental attitude in order to go through. We're well aware of our strength, we do have the possibility to aim at both cup and national championship".

The team is deeply motivated, both in the national championship and in the Champions League. An important first step has been taken: "We proved our powers of concentration in our first two season matches which means we do not intend to waste big point in minor matches, as occured in the past. This attitude, which allowed us to conquer six points in two matches, will lead us also to Europe".

Some people already compares this battleship with the old Juve-Lippi's: "I see things proceeding smoothly - explains Del Piero - we're happy with all this and we want to keep moving this way. Should we stumple at any time, that will represent a change for us to prove our strength and good will. Many things have changed since my debut in the Champions League. I myself have changed, making it through some tough times. Now it's time for us to bring Juve back to the position this team deserves to have, learning from the past year's negative experience".

Their oppenent, Port, described by Alex: "I'm sure tomorrow's match will be a many-facet one, let's hope it will also be an open and fair match. The atmosphere will be peculiar: it's the first season match and the Portuguese will undoubtedly contest a good match for their fans there. Furthermore, our team have always motivated the opponents to play at their best".

Top secret line-up, but some insistently report Lippi to have Del Piero-Trezeguet-Salas attacking trio take the field. Alex is ready also for this: "We've been practicing the trio during summer training camp, I'm sure the coach will eventually want to try it out. Should this be the choice, also a little sacrifice will be needed, from all of us". Question: three forwards or two and one downfielder? "Three forwards - replies Alex - I will be one of the three".
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