‘We’ve improved, I’m very happy with how things are going’: Cristiano Ronaldo believes Juventus are better under manager Maurizio Sarri than his predecessor Massimiliano Allegri
- Maurizio Sarri took the helm at Juventus after one season in charge of Chelsea
- Juventus are on course to win their ninth successive Scudetto under Sarri
- The Old Lady were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-final last year
- Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to win the trophy that has eluded Juventus this season
- He claims Sarri has improved the team since Massimiliano Allegri left the club
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo insists that the club have improved since Maurizio Sarri took the reigns in Turin.
The ex-Chelsea boss succeeded Massimiliano Allegri at the Old Lady in the summer, with the unwanted task of following a man who delivered eight title wins in a row.
But superstar Ronaldo, who scored 28 goals in all competitions under Allegri last season, believes that the club are now in a better place with Sarri in charge – saying he has been given ‘more freedom’.
Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed the impact Maurizio Sarri has had on Juventus since taking over
Juventus are topping Serie A for yet another season on 22 points, with their closest competitors Inter Milan just one point behind.
But as the Italian giants go in search of a ninth successive Scudetto success, Ronaldo has expressed his delight with the team’s progress, adding that Sarri’s tactics have made them more dangerous.
‘We’ve changed with Sarri to improve,’ he told the media ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Lokomotiv Moscow.
‘I have more freedom. We’ve changed a lot, we’re improving and there are still things to fix but I’m very happy.
‘We did a great job with Allegri, but with Sarri we’ve improved. My position has changed a bit. I always try to occupy the areas on the pitch where I feel best. I like to have freedom of movement.’
He said Massimiliano Allegri ‘did a great job’ at Juventus, but said the team are now improved
While taking home the Serie A crown is always expected in Turin, Champions League glory is something that has always eluded Juventus.
And it is an accolade Ronaldo is targeting this season – brushing aside any personal ambitions. They currently top Group D with four points from two games.
‘We must fight to assert ourselves again in the League and try to win the Champions League,’ he added. ‘This is our objective. Collective results are important. As for the Ballon d’Or, I have nothing to say about it.
‘It’s not important whether I win it or not. If there are individual awards, it’ll be the result of results with the team.
He is eyeing Champions League glory this season after reaching the quarter-finals last year
‘Now we have a match to play, I’m thinking about that and nothing else. I like what he asks us to do on the field.’
The Portuguese captain has netted five goals overall this season, and although Juventus have been outscored by their rivals in the top four, the 34-year-old says he is happy with how the team are playing and their chance creation.
‘Compared to the past, we’re creating more chances. We’re having great possession and we move around differently.
‘I’m very happy with how things are going with the new coach. I’m satisfied and happy with what we’re doing.’