Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has leapt to the defence of Arturo Vidal after he missed a potentially important penalty in the team's 3-2 win over Olympiakos on Tuesday.
Vidal's penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time did not alter the outcome of the game, with the win seeing the Bianconeri draw level with their guests on six points in Group A, but the Greek side's two away goals mean the head-to-head record favours them.
Juve would therefore be eliminated if the two sides finish level on points; had Vidal's penalty found the back of the net, it would be Juve with the advantage.
It was a miss that summed up the Chilean's night, and reflected a season that has been largely disappointing after a summer in which he was persistently linked with Manchester United.
Marotta has nevertheless backed the 27-year-old to silence the critics once he rediscovers his best form, which he feels will be a result of the player getting back into shape fully after an operation he underwent in May, as well as the after effects of playing a World Cup while not entirely recovered.
"His injury has affected him during this start of this season," Marotta said at an award ceremony on Wednesday. "He's not yet 100 percent fit, but when he is, we will have one of the best players in the world at our disposal.
"He's renewed his contract and he wants to stay with us, and this is fundamental for us."
Marotta also had praise for midfielder Paul Pogba.
"He's improving all the time and just needs to find some continuity," he said. "He's got natural quality and is one of the most interesting young players around, and he's got a glorious career ahead."
France international Pogba has said he wants to become a club legend.
"I want to leave a mark in the history of Juventus. I want to be remembered like [Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane]," he said. "I've just signed a new contract here and I'm happy and proud to wear this shirt. I want to carry on winning things and enjoying myself."