Rosucci & Guerrero: We want to show who we are from the first minute
The Women’s First Team are in UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification action this week, with Biella hosting their qualification mini tournament.
Ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against Portuguese side Torreense, coach Isaac Guerrero and captain Martina Rosucci spoke.
Below is what was said in Tuesday's press conference.
MARTINA ROSUCCI
“It’s the beginning of a new Champions League campaign, a new season, and a new cycle for us. Every new start brings a lot of enthusiasm and we can’t wait to get out and play. We’re Juventus, so we will always play to win. The Champions League is one of our goals, and the draw isn’t a simple one, but we want to show our worth.
“The coach has transmitted a lot to us already. He won us over immediately with his competence and his desire to explain each and every detail of his way of seeing football. He wants to give this team a clear identity and he has involved us in that from the first day.
“Personally, I’m happy to play in defence and face this new adventure head on. We’ve had 27 days of very intense work at a high level of quality, and we’ve gotten used to a lot of new ideas in that time. We’ve learned some strong points, and others will show themselves with time. We know that during the season we’ll have difficult times, but it’s precisely in those times when we’ll have to believe even more in what we’re building.
“Torreense are a team who deserve respect. They finished third in their league, and like all Portuguese sides, they have quality and a desire to show that. As well, coming up against Juventus is always a motivation for other teams. Individuals can change, but Juventus is always Juventus. Barbara [Bonansea], Cecilia [Salvai] and I are here for this, to take care of that identity and to transmit it to the girls who come in. At the same time, the coach has brought new ideas, and I think this group still has room to develop. It’s a challenge we’re embracing with open arms.”
ISAAC GUERRERO
“It’s a source of pride to be here at Juventus and to be preparing for my first competitive game; I’m counting down the hours until kick-off. We’re not expecting an easy game, and they will be tough opponents, but we want to put into practice everything we’ve been working on, and to do that from the first minute tomorrow. The game is an opportunity for us, because we’re in a competitive group with other teams with a lot of quality, that’s a huge motivation for us.
“We’re trying to work on all aspects, to find fluid movements, always play a central role in all senses. The girls are working in an exemplary way, and they’re giving their all in every session. Our goal is to put quality over quantity. For example, it’s good to take a shot, and it’s best to do it at the right time.
“This group surprises me each day, and they’re teaching me a lot. I see improvements day after day. Of course, the season is long and it hasn’t started yet, but seeing that they keep pushing themselves to go that one step further is reassuring, because we’ll need to have consistency in what we’re doing, and their maturity is a great sign already. It’s an honour to be accompanied by Martina on this journey, and with the other ‘veterans’ here. They are fundamental for creating a uniting group, and it’s something that’s happening here. You can see that from the way they welcome the new girls into the group, and the younger girls too. They’re always helping them to grow, day after day.”
Joao Mario joins Fiorentina on loan