Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli has explained that the team’s recent run of three consecutive 0-0 draws is nothing to worry about, while also speaking of his new-found maturity under coach Thiago Motta, and what he learned from the likes of Kaka and Max Allegri in his early days at Milan in a feature interview with Tuttosport.
The Italy international also spoke about his footballing idols, his introduction to first team life under Allegri, and the transition from the old coach to the new project under Thiago Motta.
Locatelli on Del Piero, Nedved, Totti inspiration and lessons learned at Milan
The 26-year-old listed three former Serie A stars, including two from Juventus among his childhood inspirations, although he claims that getting to Serie A was more important than idolising specific individuals.
“When I was little, I didn’t have a specific idol, but rather a dream: To become a Serie A and a Juventus player. A dream that came true thanks to me, my family and God. I admired Del Piero, Nedved and Totti. When I saw Pawel here for the first time, I was really moved.
“My whole family is Juventus, I like watching the games, the Champions League, but Serie B matches, too. I love football. I watch all the players. I’m a football fanatic and in recent years I’ve watched a lot of Toni Kroos, an amazing midfielder.”
Locatelli also explained what it was like to step into senior training for the first time when he was still a teenager on Milan’s books.
“I remember the first time I went to train with Allegri’s first-team at Milan. I was 16 or 17 years old, Kaka, Robinho were there, and it was really intense. Now we are slightly more relaxed. The important thing is that you never lack respect. It’s okay to put a foot wrong in training as long as you respect the rules.”
He went on to explain how he has developed as a player in recent years: “I have matured a lot, as a person and as a player. I’ve had to become more consistent over the last three years.
“I am always the first to ask questions of myself, so I have another year to improve. At the moment, we get more possession ,the data says so, so I get on the ball more. It’s a different way of playing and I’m happy with it.”
Locatelli on Juventus under Thiago Motta and recent 0-0 stalemates
Locatelli also gave his first impressions of Juve’s new coach, Thiago Motta: “The first impression you get is his strong personality. At a club like this, that’s really useful. I was very impressed, I have to be honest. He is a workaholic.”
The Bianconeri midfielder went on to explain why Juventus keep picking up 0-0 draws in Serie A.
“We did better against Napoli than against Roma. Conte’s team shut up shop, but then we spoke about it: We should have tried to be more direct and get into the opponent’s area more. But that’s normal, we’ve just started a new project.
“Shooting on goal is something that I need to improve on, but I play in a position that doesn’t require me to get goals as a priority. I’d like to be more clinical, but if I need to keep the team balanced, so that someone else scores, that’s fine as well.”
Locatelli also had a word about Juventus’s new signings, but he was unwilling to pick out any early favourites.
“They’re all strong, so I can’t say that one stands out from the others. However, there’s one aspect I want to make clear: All the new players have impressed me because they’re really good guys. They have the spirit and the desire to become better.”