Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has
welcomed the prospect of competing
with Angelo Ogbonna for a starting
berth this season.
Ogbonna is preparing for his first
campaign with the reigning Serie A
champions after sealing a €13million
switch from Turin rivals Torino earlier
this month.
And Barzagli, who featured on 34 occasions at centre-back in the league last term, is
happy to battle the 25-year-old for a place in Antonio Conte's plans.
"Ogbonna will help us for sure: when you want to improve the quality of a team, it's
normal trying to buy great players," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Angelo can become a leader, his presence will be important not only on the pitch but
also in the dressing room: the fact of having a team-mate that can easily take your
place will push each one of us to work harder and give 100 per cent.
"That's why I think that getting Ogbonna has been a great move. He's young and will
give our defence some continuity in the coming seasons."
The 32-year-old - who has lifted two Serie A titles and one Italian Super Cup in his
two years with Juve - also explained that his focus for the coming season will be on
performing at club level, rather than claiming a place in the Italy squad for the World
Cup.
"My idea is never to give up anything, thinking to the World Cup right now is
difficult, especially when you have a season full of important matches. Juventus is
my priority, then, when the time comes, I'll think about the national team," he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment