Juventus star Pogba on facing Arturo Vidal
Sunday, February 21, 2016
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Paul Pogba says Juventus will be second favourites against Bayern München in the last 16, but he is confident the Italian side can get one over on former colleague Arturo Vidal.
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A UEFA Champions League finalist with Juventus last year, Paul Pogba says his determination to succeed in the competition has only intensified, a meeting with former Bianconeri team-mate Arturo Vidal adding a little more spice to this season's round of 16 meeting with Bayern München.
UEFA.com: Juventus took on Bayern in the 2012/13 quarter-finals; what do you remember about that tie?
Paul Pogba: I was on the bench [for the first leg]. That was when Bayern were really, really good – the year they won the Champions League. They had a very well-organised team with some lethal players up front. This season they also have a great team, with players with great individual skills who can make the difference at any time. But we are Juventus, we are a great club. We are not favourites to win this tie, but that can be an advantage for us as well. We have nothing to lose.
UEFA.com: After finishing second in the group stage you will play the second leg against Bayern away from home. How might that influence the tie?
Pogba: We could have finished first in the group, but the most important thing was to qualify. We're not favourites against Bayern, but that's no problem for us. Playing against PSG, Barcelona, Bayern ... it's the Champions League. There are no small teams in the Champions League after the group stage. We will give everything and try to qualify from this round.
UEFA.com: You know Bayern midfielder Arturo Vidal well, having spent three seasons together at Juventus. What do you admire about his game?
Pogba: 'Arturito' went to Bayern and we will be facing Kingsley Coman as well – two ex-Juve players. We know all about Arturo's quality – he is very dynamic, he runs a lot and he can score at any moment. He is very skilful, he can play a great final ball, so he is a complete player; everyone knows it. We will work in training on stopping him and the other Bayern players. We know him so we will give him a few kicks – but nothing too nasty! We hope to win against my friend 'Arturito'.