Juventus manager, Maurizio Sarri said their supporters have every right to attend Champions League last-16 tie in Lyon amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus has claimed 11 lives in Italy. In this case, the majority of the matches have been termed to take place in empty stadiums. Despite the announcement from the Sports Minister, Sarri seems to not be in agreement with the decision.
He says, “It is a European problem, not an Italian problem. Obviously, we have to confront the problem and the authorities need to first contain it.”
“In Italy, we have done 3,500 tests and we have a certain number of positive cases. In France, about 300 tests have been done. So, probably, if they had done as many tests as us, there would be as many positive cases.”
Ronaldo who has scored 19 goals since the start of December will feature in the Serie A league leaders. Juve has not won the Champions League since 199 and the manager said he “feels the weight of responsibility much more in Italy.”
“We are very lucky to be able to chase the Champions League dream. If we achieve it, it will be bliss. And if we don’t, the journey will have been beautiful.” Added Sarri.
No ‘anti-Ronaldo plan’
Lyon manager, Rudi Garcia says his side does not have an “anti-Ronaldo plan” for their first leg against Juventus.
The Ligue 1 side has never beaten Ronaldo’s Juve in European competition but Garcia says his players “want to upset the odds.”
“Cristiano is a great professional but we don’t have an anti-Ronaldo plan. They are a complete team and we have to solve the problems collectively.”
Lyon is seventh in the Ligue 1 title race. The club has not progressed beyond the Champions League round of 16 since 2010. However, Garcia says his side “Have to give everything and embrace any good fortune.”
“We really want to do something and our players are very motivated. We will try to cause Juventus problems and we will still need our 12th man at the Groupama Stadium.