Striker Olivier Giroud has warned Juventus to expect the best version of AC Milan in Sunday night’s game, and also revealed an interesting transfer story.
Milan versus Juventus is often a fixture that doesn’t require much work to generate excitement and anticipation, but Sunday’s game carries a particular added meaning given that the Rossoneri need to win to keep up their title pursuit and the Bianconeri could do with three points in their battle for the top four, and a defeat for either could be catastrophic.
Giroud spoke during an interview with il Corriere dello Sport about the game and in particular on Milan’s opponents at the weekend, who enter the game on the back of a run of eight games without defeat in Serie A.
“I admit that I expected to see them in the running for the Scudetto because Juve are always Juventus. Beyond the standings and the start in the last days of Cristiano Ronaldo, their best player, they still have a squad made up of important elements such as Dybala, their offensive playmaker, a key element and a champion,” he said (via Calciomercato.com).
“Maybe they paid for the many injuries, but in terms of quality and quantity are among the best in Italy. That’s why I don’t trust Juventus: it’s in a good moment and we will have to face it in the right way.
“What do I fear most? Morata, who hasn’t played much lately because he’s been involved in market talks, Kean, who has returned to Italy after his experience abroad, and Kulusevski. There isn’t a single element that can make the difference and from which you have to beware.”
Giroud has spoken in the past about how he had the opportunity to move to Everton and to Inter before eventually deciding – with the help of his faith – that he should join the Rossoneri in summer 2021, and now he has also claimed that he was close to joining Juve.
“It happened in the summer of 2020, with Pirlo as coach, but I preferred to stay at Chelsea where I wanted to play my chances. Given how the season ended [Champions League victory], I made the right decision.”
Finally, the Frenchman spoke about Milan’s mood heading into the game after a first defeat of 2022 against Spezia.
“In the dressing room we are united and determined, but we also feel a little… backs to the wall because we need to play a great match with Juve in order not to lose ground compared to Inter. I’m not worried because I know the value of our group. I am convinced that we will remain close to Inter and in the running for the Scudetto until the end.”
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