Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli shared his thoughts on the recent 0-0 draw against AC Milan at San Siro. The Italian international emphasized the importance of balanced play and defensive solidity in big matches.
Locatelli reflected on the difference between the Milan game and the thrilling 4-4 draw against Inter earlier in the season. He stated, “Big matches are often decided by individual moments. We remember the Inter-Juve game, but those are unusual matches with many goals. This one was balanced, good defensively, and should give us confidence. We need to focus on the positives.”
When asked to compare the two matches, Locatelli expressed a preference for more controlled encounters. “The other match brings incredible emotions. 1-0, then you fall behind, you come back. It’s better to play a game like this than to be on a rollercoaster. These matches can be decided in an instant. If you concede a 5-2 there, the game is over. It’s better to be balanced and try to score.”
Locatelli also discussed the importance of strikers in deciding matches. “Attackers make the difference; we have to be realistic. In the end, they’re the ones who decide games, there’s no way around it. We had to compensate for Vlahovic’s absence as a center-forward, we had to push forward, and they were very closed off.”
The midfielder then touched upon his relationship with Marcus Thuram, who had previously praised Locatelli for his help. “I thank him; it was in his interest to speak well of me. I want to applaud him. The compliments should go to his father; I’ve also met Marcus. I know Khephren better, he arrived with incredible humility. He has a great future and will help this team for many years. He has the Juve mentality. He’s humble, and I like him as a person too.”