Juventus boast the same quality as Bayern or Barcelona, warns Sampaoli

Forum 7 years ago

Juventus boast the same quality as Bayern or Barcelona, warns Sampaoli

The Argentine coach is under no illusions regarding the challenge his team faces in Turin, as he put the Serie A champions up there with Europe's elite

Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli believes Wednesday's Champions League opponents Juventus are now at the same level as Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

The Europa League holders begin their Group H campaign in Turin against Massimiliano Allegri's side in a repeat of a showdown at the same stage last season.

Juventus, unbeaten in 17 home games in UEFA competition, won that game 2-0 but suffered a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Despite that victory, Sampaoli - who succeeded Unai Emery as head coach in June - says his players will need to give "everything" in order to get a result on Wednesday.

"We'll play against one of the favourites for the Champions League title, they are very strong and we have to do everything tomorrow night," Sampaoli said.


"We have to play with the right attitude, we need to play with passion for the shirt. They have more experience in this competition.

"Juventus added more quality in the market and they are at the same level of, for instance, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Football is a team game and we have to play as a unit."

Striker Franco Vazquez is relishing the chance to meet former Palermo team-mate Paulo Dybala, as well as compatriot Gonzalo Higuain, a player he has described as the world's best number nine.

"It's been an amazing start for him [Higuain], he reads the game very well and is in good shape," said Vazquez. "Juventus did very well in the transfer window and we have to keep an eye on the whole team.

"Dybala is a very good player, I played with him in Palermo and he's a great guy.

"We want to play very well and we want to attack. It will be a very tough match but we're improving very well."