Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said that Olympiacos have significantly improved in recent years.
The Bianconeri are set to face the Greek giants on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League group stage, and the Italian international was quick to say that the side have improved since Juventus defeated them 7-0 in 2003/04.
“This is not the Juventus team which won 7-0? More than anything it’s a better Olympiacos side,” he said in the press conference.
“The comparisons are useless; I’d say we have enormous potential.
“The game tomorrow will be very tough, the crowd and players will be very passionate.
“However, it’s the players who take the field and Olympiacos have really good individuals, they deserve respect after their UEFA Champions League run last season.”
Buffon then went on to rubbish claims that the Bianconeri played a defensive game against in their 1-0 away loss to Atletico Madrid.
“I heard some comments that Juve only defended in Madrid,” he said. “Being on the pitch, I can say that this was far from the case.
“Despite not having clear-cut chances in Madrid, there were several situations that were in our favour; we showed great personality and strength in that game.”
The Italian international stated that the side are capable of reaching the quarter-finals of the competition, and must prove so starting against Olympiacos.
“We’ve played only four games since the game against Celtic in 2013,” he said. “We can finish in the top eight, and we must prove that tomorrow.”
The goalkeeper then went on to speak about the words of Roma keeper Morgan De Sanctis regarding the two sides’ meeting.
“I have a faded memory of what was said,” he said. “His words do not bother me, after all the game was a long time ago.”
Speaking about the renewing of his contract, Buffon said that he has not yet renewed, but claims that there are no barriers preventing him for doing so.
“I haven’t yet renewed my contract,” he said. “However, there are no problems at all.
“We are in talks, and things will be defined soon.”
