Antonio Conte insisted Juventus” data-scaytid=”22″>Juventus did not have it “easy” when steamrollering Roma, but “our ambitions have no limits.”
Antonio Conte insisted Juventus did not have it “easy” when steamrollering Roma, but “our ambitions have no limits.”
The Bianconeri extended their lead at the top of the table to three points after tonight’s 4-0 victory over Roma, added to Milan’s 1-1 home draw with Bologna.
“The approach was fundamental and worthy of a top club. These lads continue to amaze me. We know it was a little step forward, but there are also five Finals in front of us and none of them are easy,” said the Coach.
“Tonight was not easy, either. We expected it to be tough and Roma can hurt anyone, but tonight they had to face off against a concentrated, enthusiastic and gritty Juve. I think it’s worth giving credit to the winning side rather than looking to blame the losing team.”
Arturo Vidal’s brace had them 2-0 up after just eight minutes, followed by Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, while Maarten Stekelenburg was sent off.
“We have to look only at ourselves. We are in front right now and therefore our fate is in our hands. We don’t need to pay attention to how the other teams are doing.
“We’ve already secured direct access to the Champions League with five rounds to go, which is an excellent objective. This project is going quicker than expected and enables us to experience this dream, which includes the Coppa Italia Final.”
Conte was asked whether there was a Scudetto bonus in his contract, considering a title push was unexpected.
“These are personal matters,” he grinned. “The club had asked me to start this new project and qualify for the Champions League, so it’s mission accomplished. Naturally we are now up here and will not set any limits on our ambition, as we can dream with the club, the players and fans.
“We need to improve through tactical, physical, technical and psychological work every day, which is what I tell my players constantly. You can already see the growth of the team in those terms over the course of the season.
“I will never stop thanking these lads, as they have been absolutely at my disposal from the first moment I was appointed Coach of Juventus.”
Both Juve and Milan have dropped points against the smaller clubs this season.
“This has been an extraordinary campaign for us, who are still unbeaten after 33 games. Do I like that? Oh definitely, I love it! Bologna took points off both us and Milan, so they balanced it out.”
Conte was also asked how he felt hearing his name dragged into the match-fixing investigation regarding his time at Siena in Serie B last year.
“I have been in football for many years and I understand certain behaviour. When you are at the top, the winds get stronger and they try to knock you off that pedestal. It’s all about being stronger than that pressure.
“At times people can be cruel and try to damage others, but seeing as every time they attack me we end up winning 3-0 or 4-0, it doesn’t matter.”