Torino defender Cesare Bovo has revealed that Serie A side’s main focus is winning their Europa League meeting with Club Brugge at home on Thursday and insists that his team aren’t thinking of the Turin derby just yet.
The Granata will be looking to earn a win against the Belgian side at home in order to secure the top spot in Group B, as they currently sit one point behind the visitors at second place in the standings, and the 31-year-old admits that the Italian fans will be a big help as long as the squad maintains the right attitude.
Bovo spoke during a pre-match press conference about Thursday’s clash with Club Brugge and the need to remain positive throughout the match, while also commenting on the upcoming derby against Juventus on Sunday.
“We are a healthy and cohesive group,” said the former Palermo man. “There may have been one or two missteps, but we believe in the work that we are doing.
“The team is united and we’re all heading in the same direction. We’ve never lacked the desire to achieve results, the negative moments had affected us but didn’t cause us to only see things as bad.
“The situation is not so bad, though we could probably have some extra points if things went our way a bit more, but I’m not blaming anyone.
“The home crowd can help us immediately get back on the right path, but it will also depend on our attitude. And we want to interpret the challenge better. There is the willingness to have a great match.
“For my return I’ve had to play well and do my homework while giving my maximum effort.
“The derby? It is a very important challenge for the fans and the city, but I think it’s only important to focus on the Europa League match first.
“After that, we can look at the game with Juventus on Sunday.”
