Manuel Locatelli, the heart of Juventus’ midfield, recently shared his thoughts in an engaging interview with DAZN (as quoted by IlBianconero) . Locatelli discussed his recovery, the team’s youthful spirit, and his dreams of lifting a trophy as captain. Here’s what he had to say.
On His Fitness: “I’m Getting Better”
Locatelli started by addressing his physical condition:
“I’m feeling better. Of course, my ankle still bothers me a bit, but I’ve been training with the group for a few days and I’m slowly getting back into shape. Now, important matches are coming up and I’ll try to be ready.”
Facing Unknown Teams: “Every Match Is a Story of Its Own”
Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures, Locatelli stressed the high level of competition:
“All the teams are top-level, and every match is a story of its own. We’ll have to make sure we’re ready.”
Team Unity: “Growth Is Natural, and We’ve United Through Difficulties”
Locatelli reflected on the team’s development:
“Growth is physiological, we’re very young and you have to bang your head against the wall to get there. We’ve done good things but also faced difficulties, and we’ve united through them. Young players also need the chance to make mistakes.”
On Coach Tudor: “He Knows the Juventus DNA”
Speaking about coach Igor Tudor, Locatelli said:
“He knows Juve, the DNA of this shirt, he knows how to talk to us and how to move. That’s where it all starts, his ideas that we still need to fully grasp, even though there’s already something there. The attitude he’s brought is exactly what we needed.”
Wearing the Captain’s Armband: “It Gives Me Goosebumps”
Locatelli described the honor of being captain:
“For me, wearing the armband of the team I’ve always dreamed of gives me goosebumps. It’s a daily responsibility; I have to be an example. It’s something I needed, but my strength is having balance, always focusing on daily work.”
The Next Dream: “Lifting a Trophy as Captain Would Be Incredible”
On his ambitions, Locatelli was clear:
“Lifting a trophy as captain would be incredible, a dream I’ve set for myself. The World Cup? We can try.”
The World Cup: “When You Wear This Shirt, You Set No Limits”
Locatelli spoke about the team’s approach to the World Cup:
“We’re traveling calmly. Winning is a dream, but you get there one match at a time. We’re taking it seriously—when you wear this shirt, you set no limits.”
Memories of San Siro: “That’s Where My Growth Began”
Reflecting on his time at Milan, Locatelli admitted:
“I don’t think about it much now. Back then, expectations were sky-high and I wasn’t ready. I thought I had to solve all of Milan’s problems and I paid for it, so I left. That’s where my growth began.”
How He’s Changed: “Now I Know Others Are Watching Me”
Locatelli explained how he’s matured:
“I’ve changed because I’ve grown. Four years have passed since I arrived. I’ve had great captains here—I’ve changed. I watched Giorgio, Leo, Danilo, and there were responsibilities I didn’t take on before. Now I know others are watching me. What I’ve received, I must now pass on. We have to make it clear that here, you have to work seriously, always.”
Youthful Squad: “Experience Matters, But Youth Is No Excuse”
Locatelli shared his thoughts on the team’s youth:
“I think experience counts, but PSG is an incredible example. They won the Champions League with a very young team, going at 300 kilometers an hour. Experience helps, but if a group is solid, even a carefree attitude pays off. Being young can’t be an excuse.”
On Yildiz: “We Must Hold On Tight to Him”
Locatelli praised young star Kenan Yildiz:
“He’s really strong, one of the most promising talents in European football. He has a good family behind him, which helps. We have to hold on tight to him as Juve.”
On Thuram: “I Always Pull His Ears”
Locatelli also spoke fondly of teammate Khephren Thuram:
“Juve has daily work in its DNA, and that gets passed down. Thuram surprised me because he’s a good person who wants to improve. When you have a good family behind you, it pays off. I always pull his ears, and I even have his dad’s blessing.”
On Gattuso: “He Can Bring Us Energy”
Finally, Locatelli talked about coach Gennaro Gattuso:
“He called me, and I’ve already been coached by him. I think he’s the right coach at the right time, regardless of the choices he’ll make. He can bring us enthusiasm and energy to try and reach the World Cup.”
