Football
9y

Monaco no easy rival for Juventus, says Carlos Tevez

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez says he would have preferred to be facing one of Spain's top clubs in the quarterfinals of the Champions League while he has warned that Monaco are not going to be easy opponents.

It has been widely suggested that Juve had been lucky in drawing the French side in the last eight. Avoiding the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid have boosted their hopes of making the semifinals for the first time since 2003, when they lost in the final in a penalty shootout to AC Milan.

Tevez does not see it that way, though, and after helping get Juve to where they are with six goals in eight Champions League appearances, he has warned against taking their next challenge too lightly.

"People think we're already in the semis, but it's not like that at all," the Argentinean told reporters at the Juventus Stadium. "Every game is difficult and Monaco are strong opponents and we mustn't underestimate them. Maybe I would have preferred to play against Barcelona or Real Madrid."

Tevez may still get to face one of the Spanish giants for a place in the final of what could be a memorable season for the Bianconeri. However, coach Massimiliano Allegri has said his side have not achieved anything yet, despite a 14-point cushion at the top of Serie A going into the final 10 games.

"If we win our next two, then we could say we've got our hands on the title," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. "At the moment, though, we've neither won the title nor are we into the semifinals of the Champions League. We've still got some big games to come, and also the Coppa Italia.

"We've got to keep full focus in all competitions. Many were saying we got lucky with the draw, but I think, given the way we played in the group and in the last 16, the other sides were very scared of drawing us.

"Monaco have been underestimated by many. They defend well, have a compact midfield and are dangerous on the counterattack."

Juve host the Ligue 1 opponents on April 14 before travelling to the Principality a week later. Monaco defeated Arsenal in the last 16 and are the lowest-ranked side remaining in the competition.

^ Back to Top ^