Locatelli: Juventus ‘more of a group than last year, excited for Dortmund’ | OneFootball

Manuel Locatelli is looking forward to leading Juventus into their new Champions League campaign as club captain, and says that the Bianconeri are full of confidence ahead of their opener against Borussia Dortmund following their 4-3 victory over rivals Inter in the Derby d’Italia.

Juventus get their Champions League campaign underway with a visit from Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening, kicking off at 20.00 BST.

Locatelli: Juventus ‘regrets’ about last year’s early elimination

EMPOLI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 14, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Locatelli joined head coach Tudor for the pre-match press conference on Monday evening. Here is what the Juve skipper had to say:

“We’re coming in exciting and this match brings a lot of enthusiasm after winning the Derby d’Italia. So it’s certainly a good thing, we’re excited, we’re doing well and we’re confident.

“The Champions League starts tomorrow, which is the best competition there is. We’re at home and there will be a great atmosphere, hearing that music will be very special and we’re all very excited.”

What have Juventus learned after their early elimination in the play-off round last season?

“We had regrets about our elimination last year. The group is in good shape, we’re training well together. We approach it giving 100%, at home, in front of our fans, it’s important to start well.

“There are teams that are stronger than us, but our secret is that when we are compact, we’re solid and we want to work hard. The goal is to try and get as far as possible, we have to be ready for any surprises. We have to be enthusiastic and have a desire to play as a team.”

Does Locatelli feel that there is already a notable improvement about Juventus compared to their showing under Thiago Motta last season?

“We’ve only played three games, but what I can say is that we’ve been a team.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, celebrates with Kenan Yildiz after the team’s victory in the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at Allianz Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“We’re working well with the coach, we finished well under him last year and starting again with him and his staff has been important. It was important to get to know each other better during the Club World Cup, and it was also important from a personal point of view. But yes, maybe we are more of a group than last year.”

Locatelli was asked if he feels that the Champions League is won in attack rather than in defence.

He replied: “It’s a different competition, there’s a lot of quality in attack. There are various teams that play differently. Last year PSG won because of their quality up front, but also because of Donnarumma’s saves.”

And finally, does Locatelli feel more ownership of this Juventus side now that he has been appointed captain?

“I’m proud now that I’m the captain, it’s surpassed all of my dreams. A captain has to be an example in training and in everyday life.”