Socrates

Agnelli open to Euro Super League Oct 11, 2013 Juventus' Andrea Agnelli has reflected on the potential Europe’s top clubs have when united, including the financial lure a European Super League has. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri President is in London for the Leaders in Football conference and has reflected on how greater organisation between UEFA’s clubs is the way forward. “We should have a common strategy, because we are stronger together,” considered Agnelli this week. “The best example is that of the ECA [European Club Association] - what they have done in five years is extraordinary, they have created a strong understanding and constructive dialogue with UEFA and FIFA. http://markting10.nl/ “Financial Fair Play? I support it because it is the only reasonable measure to prevent clubs spending beyond their means, but it must be effective. “I want to know first what the penalties are. A fine of €10m would not even be much, and disqualification is not plausible. “Imagine that UEFA excludes Juventus, Bayern, Real Madrid and Manchester United from its competitions. What would the television companies say? http://markting10.nl/ “A European super league? The problem is that UEFA will automatically reject the American system, but a closed championship between the 20 best teams in Europe would be the best from an economic point of view.” Agnelli’s mind is also on the domestic game and how Serie A must ‘improve’. “We must improve the system, because we are still stuck in a land of no-one. We spend much time discussing how to spend the money and not on how Italian football should develop internationally. http://markting10.nl/ “Football is followed by half the country and thus as the ability to act as a guide to Italy’s political situation. To this should be applied a sense of responsibility, perspective and discipline.” The President admitted an inclination in the future to try and increase revenue that Juve’s current ground generates. “The Delle Alpi, it could hold 68,000 people, but it was basically a white elephant, a cold and inhospitable place to watch a game with a very low average attendance compared to the capacity. http://markting10.nl/ “The Juventus Stadium has 41,000 seats and is almost always sold out, generating revenue of €40m compared to €13m from the previous ground. “At Stamford Bridge, they collect €80m to €90m, and this is the target that I have in mind - the economic situation and low prices of our competition, however, does not help matters.”

Arsenal eyeing Llorente Oct 11, 2013 Arsenal are seen as in the market this January for a striker and apparently are considering Juventus hit-man Fernando Llorente. http://markting10.nl/ The Spaniard has seen speculation surround his early work in Italy this season, with a failure to earn a regular place in the side believed down to struggles to get to grips with Antonio Conte’s demands. Whilst links to the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid have been played down in Turin, reports in England today suggest that Arsenal are monitoring the situation. The Gunners are reported by The Mirror as keen to strengthen their front-line in January and allegedly see Llorente as an ideal ‘stop-gap’ solution.

‘Pogba? There is a strategy’ Oct 11, 2013 Paul Pogba’s agent has mused that no club would be able to turn down ‘an indecent offer’ for the midfielder, let alone Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri turned heads yesterday with President Andrea Agnelli’s reflection that the club would be powerless should a large bid come in for the highly-rated Frenchman. However, on from reports that this would need to be around the €45m mark, the player’s representative has looked to ease concern. http://markting10.nl/ “Not only Italy, but nowhere in the world can you refuse an indecent offer,” Mino Raiola commented to Tuttosport this week. “And the fans no longer have to worry. http://markting10.nl/ “The player’s renewal? There’s no hurry. Paul is very calm and serene. He is fine where he is. We want to renew with Juventus, but we have our clear strategy. “Have we already had an offer from elsewhere? No, we have received nothing. And anyway, in that case, Juve would have no reason to worry.”

'Pogba wants to stay at Juventus' - Raiola The agent for the 20-year-old midfielder claimed that his client has every intention of staying at the Bianconeri, and revealed plans to negotiate a contract renewal. Oct 11, 2013 Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has thrown cold water on rumours that the midfielder was set to leave Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ Pogba, whose contract expires in June 2016, has been the subject of transfer speculation for his impressive displays since joining the Serie A champions in 2012, with club president Andrea Agnelli admitting that the 20-year-old could be sold if a sizeable offer was received. However, Raiola has moved to downplay Agnelli’s comments and allay supporters' fears by asserting that Pogba’s camp is primarily concerned with negotiating a new deal that will allow the midfielder to remain at Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ “He [Pogba] is fine where he is. We want to renew with Juventus and we have our clear strategy,” he revealed to Tuttosport. “Paul is very quiet and peaceful here, Juve would have no reason to worry. “Agnelli has discovered the problem because no one, not only in Italy, but in the world, can refuse an obscene offer. But the fans no longer have to wonder.” http://markting10.nl/ However, despite a seeming mutual interest on both sides for Pogba to renew his contract, Raiola denied that a proposal for a new deal had already been put forth by Juventus. "Are there already any offers on the table? No, that isn't true, no offers have arrived," he admitted. Pogba signed for Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012 and has since been capped three times for the France national team.

Juventus resigned to losing Pogba The France international has attracted interest from clubs throughout Europe with his impressive displays and the Bianconeri are concerned they will not be able to keep him. Oct 10, 2013 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has admitted the club would find it hard to refuse a “massive” offer for star midfielder Paul Pogba. http://markting10.nl/ Pogba has impressed for the Bianconeri since joining from Manchester United in 2012, but Agnelli fears that Italian football’s economic uncompetitiveness could mean they lose the 20-year-old. “If we got a massive offer for Pogba, will we be able to retain him? I don't think so, we have not got the economic strength,” said Agnelli at the Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge. “We can be attractive but I don't think we have the economic strength to fight against the others and retain such a player. http://markting10.nl/ “Italy is no longer a final destination, it’s a transition destination. “Italy needs to come into some serious reforms as at the moment we are in no-man's land. We have to reform the stadiums because that's where the shows are made.”

Platini backs Juventus to beat Real Madrid The former France international feels the Bianconeri are capable of winning Europe's grandest prize this season and has defended the stadium ban imposed on AC Milan. Oct 10, 2013 Uefa president Michel Platini believes Juventus are fully capable of beating Real Madrid in this season's Champions League group stages. The Bianconeri laboured to draws against Copenhagen and Galatasaray in their opening two fixtures, meaning they already sit four points behind Carlo Ancelotti's men in Group B. http://markting10.nl/ Juve midfielder Paul Pogba claimed this week that his side will win at least one of their two clashes with the Spanish giants, and Platini is also of the opinion that anything is possible in this season's tournament. "I agree with him [Pogba]. Football has levelled off, especially in the Champions League - everyone can beat everyone else, and anyone can lose against anyone. Chelsea, for example, lost in London to Basel," he told Tuttosport. When asked if Juventus could go all the way in this season's Champions League, he added: "Why not? Last season, returning after a year of 'purification' without Europe, they reached the quarter-finals. If the draw is not particularly malignant ..." http://markting10.nl/ The Serie A champions currently find themselves two points behind pace-setters Roma, who have won all seven of their opening league games under new boss Rudi Garcia. Although the form of the Giallorossi so far this season has taken many by surprise, Platini insists he was never in any doubt as to the abilities of his compatriot following his achievements in Ligue 1. "The Italians underestimated him. In France, we knew how good he was," said Platini. "He showed that immediately. After all, you can't win a title with Lille if you're not of that calibre. http://markting10.nl/ "We're only at the beginning of October, and Juve are still there. Of course, with a fit [Francesco] Totti, Roma can reach any goal." AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani recently hit out at a stadium ban imposed on the club after alleged chants by supporters against southern Italians, but Platini is hopeful such sanctions will eventually discourage fans from showing any kind of discriminatory behaviour. "We have no more than two solutions: punish the players, or punish the fans," said the former Ballon d'Or winner. http://markting10.nl/ "Initially, you have the temporary suspension of the game, then the closure of a section in the 'offending' stadium, and finally closing the whole stadium. "Playing behind closed doors is penalising. Maybe, someday, someone who frequents the stands will understand this and will not carry out certain behaviour."

Marchisio: 'I missed Azzurri' Oct 10, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has “missed” the Italy shirt during his injury and can’t wait to play against Denmark. http://markting10.nl/ The Juventus midfielder is back after suffering a thigh strain in August and expected to start in tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier. “I really missed the Nazionale. Now I am over the injury and really want to wear the Azzurri jersey again,” he said in a Press conference. http://markting10.nl/ “We are a very close-knit group and have been doing great things for the last three years. Thanks to Coach Cesare Prandelli we have been able to improve so much. “Tomorrow the objective is to step on to the field in order to win. Even if we have already qualified for the World Cup, we want to make a good impression.”

Agnelli: Difficult to keep Pogba Oct 10, 2013 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has admitted that the club would have to accept offers for Paul Pogba. http://markting10.nl/ The French midfielder arrived from Manchester United last year on a free transfer, but has already become one of Antonio Conte’s key players. The Bianconeri chief though, has conceded that the club couldn’t turn down big offers for the youngster. “If a huge offer arrived for Paul Pogba,” he told reporters. “I don’t think, right now, we would be strong enough to resist it. http://markting10.nl/ "If I was to judge it from a footballers' point of view, Italy is no longer the final destination but a transit destination. "I am trying to think what will be of us in two or three years' time if we get a massive offer for one of the best talents we have today, Pogba, the French 20-year-old. "Look at what happened to Milan. They had to give away Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to pay the cheques. "At the end of the day you can be attractive, but you also need to have the economic strength."

Tevez on Serie A, Juve & Conte Oct 10, 2013 Carlos Tevez has admitted his surprise at the quality of Italian football, conceding that it is ‘the most difficult’ League he’s played in. http://markting10.nl/ The striker joined Juventus in the summer from Manchester City, and after a superb start to the season, the Argentine has been moved to comment on Serie A and Coach Antonio Conte. “I was genuinely surprised,” he told Tuttosport. “I thought it was easier to play here, but instead it is more tactical, fast and a lot more hard work. “It is the most difficult League in which I have played. http://markting10.nl/ “It seems that every team who comes up against Juventus treats it like a World Cup final. Everyone wants to beat us – so we always have to give 100 per cent. It’s incredibly difficult. “But Juve have given me my desire to play football. That is the best thing for a player – being happy. And I am here. “Conte is tough, but he is a phenomenon. I was very surprised – for him, every game is like a final. He always wants to win and is never satisfied. “He is a workaholic – but you can see that because of the results we’ve got on the field. He’s also very rigid with regards to the power he holds. He made me understand the first time we spoke that he is in charge. http://markting10.nl/ “Conte has to stay here. But I think he would do great things everywhere. He is a great Coach and a serious professional. “He would have no problems in either England or France. http://markting10.nl/ “Comparisons with Ferguson? They are both winners. Both of them consider their clubs to be the best in the world. “For Ferguson, the Manchester United badge is the most important thing and is to be defended at all costs. And that’s the same for Conte.”

'Immortal' Totti can land World Cup spot, claims Buffon The Juventus shot-stopper has echoed the sentiments of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli and believes the legendary Roma star deserves a place in the Azzurri's World Cup squad. Oct 9, 2013 Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has championed the idea of coach Cesare Prandelli selecting the "immortal" Francesco Totti for duty in the World Cup next summer. http://markting10.nl/ The 37-year-old has been touted for a potential return to the international scene after inspiring Roma to their best start to a Serie A campaign, with the Giallorossi sitting top of the standings having collected maximum points from their opening seven fixtures. On Monday Prandelli confirmed he would consider selecting the legendary Italian should he sustain his performances throughout the season, and Buffon believes that his compatriot's age-defying ability puts him in the frame for selection ahead of the trip to Brazil in June. "As I've already said, Totti can be considered a sort of immortal player under certain points of view," the 35-year-old told a press conference. http://markting10.nl/ "His current physical and mental conditions along with his technique and natural skills make him a player able to make the difference in any occasion and at every age. "Thanks to his performance, Totti is proving once again that he has always been - and he still is - a champion, therefore it's normal that everyone talks about him in such a positive way. "We also have to say that it's October and the World Cup is close, but it won't take place before eight or nine months. http://markting10.nl/ "If he is still in the same condition, then, no one would have any doubt." Totti's last appearance for the national team was in 2006, where he helped the Azzurri to victory over France in the final of the World Cup. Italy, who have already qualified for Brazil 2014, face Denmark on Friday, before hosting Armenia four days later in their final two fixtures in Group B.

Bonucci relishing Roma and Napoli competition The 26-year-old has admitted he is enthused by his own team's start to the Serie A campaign - but is more excited to see rival clubs laying down a challenge to the Bianconeri. Oct 9, 2013 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that he is excited by the prospect of Roma and Napoli challenging his team for the Serie A title this season. http://markting10.nl/ Antonio Conte's men have dropped just two points in their bid to record a third-straight Scudetto thus far, but it is the Partenopei and Giallorossi who occupy Italy's top-two places - the latter of which boasts a perfect 100 per cent record. Instead of fearing the added competition, though, Bonucci admits he is relishing the prospect of a three-way tussle for domestic supremacy this season. http://markting10.nl/ "The championship is beautiful with super strong teams like Roma and Napoli this season," he told the club's official website. "I think the league is even now and the best thing for us to do is forget our previous two titles and focus on this season." The 26-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Italy for the Azzurri's two remaining World Cup qualifiers with Denmark and Armenia, will resume domestic duties with the Bianconeri for the visit to Fiorentina on October 20.

Van der Sar praises Buffon comeback Oct 9, 2013 Former Juventus goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has hailed the comeback of Gianluigi Buffon who came back from a serious injury picked up in the summer of 2010 which prevented him to play for half of a season. http://markting10.nl/ Retired goalkeeper van der Sar was the Old Lady’s number one for two seasons until he was forced to leave when the Bianconeri announced Buffon as their new goalkeeper at the start of the 2001/2002 campaign “I hope everything is fine with Juventus and I also hope to meet the club in the second round of the Champions League with my current club Ajax,” the Dutchman told Sky Sport 24. http://markting10.nl/ “Buffon? He is still young in his performances, he had an injury three or four years ago but he came back really well.” Van der Sar joined the Turin club in 1999 and played 66 Serie A matches for the club before he left the club to play for Fulham, and the 42-year-old has since returned to his first club Ajax as a commercial manager.

Buffon not joining Real Madrid, claims agent The player's representative has poured cold water on the "unfounded" speculation linking the veteran Italian shot-stopper with a move to the Spanish giants. Oct 9, 2013 The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has laughed off speculation linking his client with a move to Real Madrid. http://markting10.nl/ Reports emanating from Spain recently have suggested that the Blancos are lining up a bid for the veteran Italian, who could face his reported suitors when Antonio Conte's men travel to Madrid for a Champions League clash on October 23. However, the player's representative, Silvano Martina, has dismissed the notion that the 35-year-old could enjoy regular visits to the Santiago Bernabeu in the future. http://markting10.nl/ He told TuttoJuve: "How am I meant to comment on a rumour like that? I do not know where it has come from, but it is pointless to even consider it. "Real Madrid will be playing Juventus in the Champions League - and that will be the only meeting Buffon will have with them." The Italy international, whose current deal with the Bianconeri expires in 2015, is the world's most expensive goalkeeper after joining the reigning Italian champions in a deal worth €54 million in 2001 from Parma.

Buffon agent dismisses Madrid link Oct 9, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon’s agent has rubbished recent reports that Real Madrid may target the Juventus shot-stopper. http://markting10.nl/ Stories have emerged in the Press over the past few weeks that the Spanish giants could be targeting the veteran Italian. But his representative has insisted that those claims are ‘unfounded’. “How am I meant to comment on a rumour like that?” Silvano Martina questioned to tuttojuve. http://markting10.nl/ “I do not know where that has come from, but it is pointless to even consider it. “All I know is that Real Madrid will be playing Juventus in the Champions League – and that will be the only meeting Buffon will have with Madrid. “Everything else is absolutely fanciful and unfounded.”

Buffon: Totti is immortal Oct 9, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that in his current form, Francesco Totti could make a difference to any team. http://markting10.nl/ There have been some claims in the Italian Press that the Roma forward could make a return to the national side set-up for the World Cup. And ahead of their game against Denmark on Friday, the Juventus goalkeeper has conceded that the veteran goalscorer would be an asset. “Totti is immortal as a player,” he told a Press conference. “In this form he could make a different everywhere. “He is proving to be a champion. “We’ll have to find the strength to honour this qualification process. To play badly for the national team – at any stage – doesn’t please any one. http://markting10.nl/ “The best thing for Italian football would be for us to win this game. We have to be a point of reference for the game in this country.” Buffon then commented on recent controversy surrounding ‘territorial discrimination’ and Juve’s start to the season. “There’s a fine line between local pride and discrimination,” he added. “There are always risks http://markting10.nl/ “It is a delicate issue so we all have to take some responsibility. “We can’t be passive and just accept this sort of behaviour. “We [at Juve] are aware that Napoli, Roma and Inter will be rivals until the end of the season. “We know we can do better despite winning most of our games, and that gives us confidence.”

'This season's a great one' Oct 9, 2013 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has urged his teammates to forget the last two Scudetto wins, and concentrate on this season’s title. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri have won the League title for the past two seasons, but currently sit in third place behind early front-runners Napoli and Roma. “This championship is a great one,” he posted on his official website. “Napoli and Roma are really strong this year. “I think the League is as good as ever and is sending clear signals [to the rest of Europe] that the teams are to be feared. http://markting10.nl/ “As for us, the best thing to do is forget about the past, the last few championship wins, and focus on this year.”

Lichtsteiner pulls out of Swiss squad Oct 9, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner has pulled out of the Switzerland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Slovenia. http://markting10.nl/ The Juventus defender has suffered a problem with his right thigh, and will travel back to Turin to start receiving treatment. There has been no official word about how serious the injury is, but it is not believed to be too damaging.

Lippi: Juve need to believe Oct 9, 2013 Marcello Lippi has outlined how he sees Juventus as capable of playing ‘two great games’ against Real Madrid in the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri will come up against Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid in matchdays three and four of the Champions League group phase continuing later this month. Juve have won four of the last five matches between the two teams in the competition and the author of more than one of those is optimistic for Antonio Conte’s chances of continuing the run. “We always did well - when we went to Madrid and back in Turin,” mused Lippi to Tuttosport today. http://markting10.nl/ “Yes, as far as I am concerned I have only great memories - the narrow defeat in Spain and then the home victory in the knockout stages to progress to the next round and the semi-finals. “Of course, now this is not the knockout phase this time, but these remain two very important games - a win would again give great impetus to Juventus’ season. “The recipe is…simple - belief in their own ability, no awe of the opponent, organisation. The important thing is to believe and this Juve is very similar to my Juventus - they have all the characteristics that they need. “Besides, Madrid are not so brilliant, so… You will see, we can expect two great games from Juventus.” http://markting10.nl/ The World Cup-winning tactician cast his eye over the start to the Serie A season, which sees Roma leading the way. “It’s really a great championship. It is as I said it would be, that if Roma found themselves well with a new Coach, that they would have a great season. And they have started with great success. “Then there is a Napoli that is solid, combative, with quality. And I do not disregard even Fiorentina - I note with pleasure that Beppe Rossi is back to his level. http://markting10.nl/ “Juve? They are taken for granted. In my grid they are in pole position. And they are as strong as before, more than before. “I read and hear of a drop in hunger, grit, but I do not think so. They have simply changed the expectations of the surrounding environment, but in reality I believe that a team of Antonio Conte’s remains favourite, ready to repeat itself.”

Pogba: I love Juventus Oct 9, 2013 Paul Pogba has reflected on his future at Juventus, why he chose Serie A, how Milan was a possible turning point this term and on trying to beat Real Madrid. http://markting10.nl/ The Frenchman has impressed in his opening work with the Bianconeri and has subsequently attracted speculation regarding his future. “The fans of Juve are afraid of losing me? I am still not anyone. What have I done? Nothing in fact,” offered Pogba as reassurance in today’s edition of the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “I look to Pirlo and Buffon, and I know what it takes to be a true champion. Those two have won it all, they are greats, but they do not give an inch, even in training. “Juve for life? Certain promises do not make sense, I will not kid anyone. How can I today determine my whole career? It makes no sense. http://markting10.nl/ “And then I look at now and say that I am happy here in Turin, I love everything about this club - the managers, the Coaches, my teammates and the fans. And at the moment I do not see myself anywhere that isn’t Juventus.” Pogba is into a second season with the Bianconeri having joined in 2012 after allowing his Manchester United contract to run down. “Why did I choose Italy? Serie A is the university of football, especially at a tactical level. A midfielder who breaks through in Italy can really aspire to be the best in the world in his position. “I said to myself: ‘Paul, Italy is the shortcut to a more secure breakthrough’. And then, of course, was the call of Juventus, one of the biggest clubs in the world… http://markting10.nl/ “I am lucky and I lucked into Antonio Conte. I’m getting better every day. Conte works, hammers, he is not satisfied, hungry, and just wants to win. “I could not ask for anything better as a teacher at this stage of my career. [France Coach Didier] Deschamps is also very similar to Conte.” The midfielder considered his reference points in the game and at his current club. “From the start my idol was Ricky Kaka, whilst I have modelled myself on two players - Yaya Toure and Abou Diaby, even in physical aspects. I am very similar to them. “At Juve, Pirlo, Marchisio and Vidal are my references. In each training session I try to steal something from them. http://markting10.nl/ “One can reach perfection with the technique of Claudio, the aggressiveness of Arturo and the brilliant and clean movement of Andrea.” Juve are so far third in Serie A, two points behind leaders Roma. “I have seen on TV the Giallorossi in particular, I have watched them, they are very strong, they have great players, but if we find our football then no-one can stop us. “What are we still not getting right? We concede too many goals, often for our distractions, something that should not exist when you have the best defence in the world. http://markting10.nl/ “Yes we are as strong as ever for who we have, this is a question of something in general. And to me it is clear - we need the Juve of last year, the one that went into the field to tear apart opponents, who hit and frightened everyone right from the start, that did not slow up for 90 minutes. “We must wake up and immediately find the correct mentality - enough gifts, as you pay in the long run. But, I believe that we have… “Indeed, after the 20 minutes where we were in trouble against Milan, in the League it may prove to be the right spark, the turning point of our season.” http://markting10.nl/ In Europe, Juve are gearing up for a double-header against Real Madrid. “We must pick up points against Real Madrid. I am not worried, we will beat Real Madrid at least once and advance from the group. “We are Juve, we must never forget that. The history, prestige and quality of this club is not inferior to anyone. And for this reason I am not scared of Real Madrid. “Juve are at the level of the largest clubs in Europe. We can win against Madrid.” The 20-year-old was asked of his experiences with racism in Italy. http://markting10.nl/ “The word ‘negro’ is badly used a little everywhere - in Italy, France, England, Spain and even in Africa there are forms of racism. “Often it is sheer ignorance of people saying things that they do not understand. In general, however, it must be given high attention. “Of course it is crazy to be here to talk about certain things in 2013. In the future I would like to become someone more credible in the fight against racism.”

Juventus can upset Real Madrid, says Lippi The former Bianconeri boss is confident that the reigning Italian champions can take down the Spanish giants, who he says have 'not exactly been brilliant' so far this season. Oct 9, 2013 Marcello Lippi believes that Juventus are more than capable of springing a surprise in their upcoming Champions League games against Real Madrid. http://markting10.nl/ The Serie A champions have been struggling to find their best form in Europe and are in danger of missing out on qualification for the group stages after draws against Copenhagen and Galatasaray. Nevertheless, Lippi is confident that they can turn things around in their next two games, against Madrid. "The recipe to beat them is quite simple: you have to believe in your own quality and stay organised," Lippi told Tuttosport. http://markting10.nl/ "A surprise is definitely possible. The key is to believe in a good result. The current Juventus is pretty similar to my Juve and has all the characteristics a team need. "Plus Real Madrid have not exactly been brilliant so far. I have no doubt that Juventus will put in two great performances." Juventus travel to Madrid on October 23, with the Bianconeri hosting the Spanish giants in Turin two weeks later.

Pogba: Juventus will beat Real Madrid at least once The fearless France international says he is not remotely frightened by the prospect of having to pick up points from their double-header with los Blancos. Oct 9, 2013 Paul Pogba says he is not in the least bit afraid of Real Madrid, claiming that Juventus will win "at least" one of their upcoming Champions League clashes with the Spanish giants. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri have drawn their opening two games in Group B, against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, meaning they must pick up points in their double-header against los Blancos if they are to have a real chance of progressing to the knockout stages. On paper, it looks like a daunting task, but Pogba is not in the least bit perturbed by the prospect of first travelling to the Santiago Bernabeu on October 23 in search of a positive result. "There's nothing to fear," the 20-year-old France international told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "We will beat Real at least once and we will go forward. "We are Juve; we must never forget that. Because of the history, prestige and quality of this club, we are inferior to no-one. "And for this reason, Real Madrid do not scare me. Juventus is on the same level of all the European greats. "We can even win in Madrid." http://markting10.nl/ Just over a year after leaving Manchester United for Juventus, Pogba has established himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the game. However, he says all the praise he is currently receiving will not go to his head, as he has two perfect role models at Juventus in Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon. "I'm still nobody; What have I done? Nothing at all," the France international reasoned. "I look at Pirlo and Buffon, and I learn about what it is to be a true champion. "Those two have won it all, they are monsters, but they do not give an inch - not even in training." Even though he only arrived in Turin last summer, there has been speculation that Pogba could soon be lured away by another member of Europe's elite, with even Madrid mentioned as a possible destination. http://markting10.nl/ The Under-20 World Cup winner freely admits that he does not know what the future holds for him, but is still keen to reassure Juventus fan that he is loving life in Italy. "Certain promises are meaningless," Pogba mused. "How can someone today make an hypothesis on an entire career? I don't take anyone for a ride. "And so, I look at the present and I say that I 'm happy here in Turin. "I love everything about this club: directors, coaches , team-mates and fans. And, at the moment, I do not see anywhere else other than Juventus." Pogba is currently away on international duty with France.

Pogba was a huge loss to Manchester United, says Evra The France defender has hailed the midfielder's power and aggression and says he was highly thought of by both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes during his time at Old Trafford. Oct 8, 2013 Patrice Evra says Paul Pogba's decision to leave Manchester United for Juventus was a “truly a huge loss” for the club. The France international left Old Trafford in the summer of 2012, going on to win the Serie A title in his first season with Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ However, Evra has hailed Pogba’s qualities and says he was well-respected at the club, particularly by some of the Red Devils' most experienced players. “Pogba's talent on the pitch, his aggression, his presence, is very rare," said Evra told French TV station TF1. “He very quickly earned the respect of players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. “It’s true that have you have to win over the manager too, but to have won the dressing room like he did [was impressive]. “It was truly a huge loss when he left the club.” http://markting10.nl/ The powerful midfielder has recently blamed Sir Alex Ferguson for his decision to leave the club, particularly after he was left out of a game, in a match United went on to lose 3-2. "Against Blackburn, on December 31, 2011, I was on the bench. Ferguson puts Rafael in midfield with Ji Sung Park. Then I gave up. I was really bummed," he told Telefoot. "I joined Juve to silence people who have criticised me, who did not believe in me and said that I would fail."

Marchisio: I fear Roma more than Napoli Rudi Garcia's men currently top Serie A with seven wins from seven, and the Italy international believes they will be fired up for success this season after recent disappointment. Oct 8, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes Roma are more of a threat to his side's Serie A crown this season than last year's runners-up Napoli. The Giallorossi have won all seven of their opening games in this season's Scudetto, with a convincing 3-0 away win at Inter on Saturday maintaining their two-point lead over both the champions and Rafa Benitez's side. http://markting10.nl/ Marchisio believes Rudi Garcia has had a major impact on the capital club's revival this term and believes that, without European competition as a distraction, they will be fully focused on returning to the top of Italian football in 2013-14. "In the long run, I fear Roma more than Napoli," the Italy international told reporters. "They haven't changed much, they have lots of quality, and you can see the hand of the coach that's raising them up. "The Giallorossi have no European commitments and want to rebuild after a couple of disappointing seasons. Maybe they are hungrier than us. This will help their concentration and will to win. http://markting10.nl/ "Of course, we must see if Roma can sustain this rhythm." Juventus secured a hard-fought win over AC Milan last weekend to maintain the pressure on Roma, and Marchisio was pleased to see his side recover their clinical edge against Massimiliano Allegri's men following a disappointing Champions League draw with Galatasaray. "On Sunday, we were more cynical than in previous games," added the 27-year-old. "It was important to get the three points as Roma and Napoli are not losing points."

Andrea Pirlo 'not interested' in Real Madrid move Oct 8, 2013 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo will reportedly turn down the chance to join Real Madrid at the end of the season. The Italian international is expected to depart Juve next summer when his contract comes to an end, with a number of clubs monitoring developments. http://markting10.nl/ Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be interested in the 34-year-old, but according to the Daily Mail, Pirlo will turn down the Spanish giants as he attempts to secure assurances about regular playing time. Pirlo, who has also played for Inter Milan and AC Milan, has made 104 appearances for the Italian national team.

Juve ultras join protest Oct 8, 2013 Juventus ultras have joined Milan and Inter with their invitation to break the rules, forcing the closure of all stadiums. http://markting10.nl/ The protest movement is spreading after Milan were ordered to play their next home game against Udinese behind closed doors for chants insulting Neapolitans. This is an extension of the rules introduced to combat racism in stadiums, but the ultras protest this is trying to stamp out traditional inter-city rivalry that has always existed. Inter ultras showed solidarity with Milan and now the Juventus ‘Fighters – Curva Sud Scirea’ have joined in. “This is just another pointless and unconstitutional mechanism to discriminate against the ultras, condemning freedom of speech,” read the Juve ultras statement. http://markting10.nl/ “During the next game in Florence on October 20 we invite all the fans to sing along with us those ‘famous’ chants of territorial discrimination. We invite supporters everywhere to unite in our protest by showing banners and singing these chants in every stadium on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October.” The plan from the various different groups of ultras is for all of the clubs to receive a ban simultaneously, so that an entire weekend of games will be played behind closed doors.