Buffon: 'Conte makes Juve believe'

Gianluigi Buffon praised Coach Antonio Conte, is prepared for Napoli this evening and confirms he wants “to lift the Champions League trophy for Juventus.”

The goalkeeper sat down with friend and former teammate Hasan Salihamidzic for Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s 19.45 GMT kick-off at the San Paolo.

“Conte is able to transmit so much on an emotional level to the players. He has an incredible work ethic that he also drummed into the heads of the squad,” said Buffon.

“The great thing is that the moment he speaks, it feels as if the concepts he’s discussing have never been said before and they are so strong that you are transported to believe in what you’re doing. It’s difficult to find another Coach better than him.”

The goalkeeper was asked what Juve’s objectives were for this season after winning the Scudetto and Italian Super Cup.

“I hope that we can repeat the Serie A victory, as it would be a huge achievement for a team that was in seventh place only 18 months ago. We know that we are strong, but also have that relaxed state of mind that comes from knowing we are not the strongest in Europe.

“The Champions League is something I would love to win, because it would be the right way to crown my career. I could go to win it elsewhere, but to lift the Champions League trophy for Juventus is something else.

“I have spent so many wonderful moments here as well as desperate disappointment. Living together for 15 years and achieving something like that would be priceless.”

Buffon also stood by the Bianconeri even after their demotion to Serie B in 2006.

“I have always been irritated when players say at the end of their careers that they turned down offers, even ones that weren’t true. In any case, I never had any.

“The rapport I have with the club can be called a great sentiment, which is not love – because that can come to an end – but respect.

“I want to play up until I am first choice for the Nazionale and as long as I have the motivation and energy to say to myself ‘today I could make the difference.’

“The moment I struggle to concentrate or don’t feel motivated anymore, I will have no problem in hanging up my gloves, because I must respect myself and my career.”