Donati's big breakthrough at Leverkusen
Monday, December 29, 2014
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen's Giulio Donati, 24, scored only his second senior goal this year – and did so in the UEFA Champions League. He looks back on 2014 with UEFA.com.
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"It was an incredible feeling, especially because it was in the UEFA Champions League" – that is how Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender Giulio Donati described scoring against FC Zenit to UEFA.com as he looks back at an excellent 2014.
That 2-0 win aided Leverkusen to the round of 16 and the goal was the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up's first at club level since a Coppa Italia strike for Calcio Padova, while on loan from FC Internazionale Milano, in August 2011. Donati, who left Inter for Leverkusen 18 months ago, tells UEFA.com how he is enjoying his experience in Germany.
UEFA.com: Leverkusen managed to reach the the UEFA Champions League last 16. How satisfied are you with this achievement?
Giulio Donati: We are delighted because beating a team like Zenit twice was not an easy task, particularly beating them in Russia. It's a pity that we allowed first place in the group to slip out of our hands on the last matchday, but qualification was the main objective.
UEFA.com: Against Zenit you scored your first UEFA Champions League goal...
Donati: I went close to scoring in the first half, so I tried again in the second and it went better. I'm very pleased with that goal. And it was no accident because we train very hard on shooting, at least once or twice a week, with specific drills.
UEFA.com: How does it feel to score a goal in the UEFA Champions League?
Donati: It was an incredible feeling because it was my first goal with Leverkusen, and mostly because it came in what every player considers the best club competition in the world. It was like a dream that finally came true for me.
UEFA.com: Which player impressed you the most in the UEFA Champions League this season?
Donati: This season I think that Hulk was the strongest player we faced. Last season we played against Manchester United and I could name many players, but if I have to choose one I would certainly say [Wayne] Rooney.
UEFA.com: What is your main strength on the pitch?
Donati: An aspect I'm really proud of is my mentality. I always try to be extremely focused for the entire 90 minutes on the pitch. I think it's very important for any player. At this level you lose your focus for one second and you find somebody ready to punish you.
UEFA.com: Now you will be facing Club Atlético de Madrid. What do you like most about Diego Simeone's side?
Donati: They are a team who combine great mentality and grit with great technical qualities. Some of the most skilful sides may lack a bit of fighting spirit, but not in their case.
UEFA.com: How do you take on a team like that?
Donati: We will try to play our usual game. We believe in ourselves because we earned some very good results by playing the way we do. So we will try to do more of the same against Atlético. Pressing hard and quick counterattacks.
UEFA.com: What do you think about the tie between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, where your friend Ciro Immobile is playing?
Donati: Juventus are the best team in Italy right now but they would be fools if they believed that Borussia are not dangerous because they are struggling in the domestic league. In the Champions League, they are a completely different team. I think it will be a fantastic tie, very open, Juve have a chance to go through, but it will be a close affair.
UEFA.com: After playing with Italy Under-21 do you often think about the senior national team?
Donati: My only objective is to play well here at Leverkusen – a place in the national team would only come as a result of that. Obviously, I will be the happiest man on Earth if they call me into the Italy squad.