Pogba relishing Vidal reunion

Arturo Vidal has revealed that Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola did not inform the players about his departure prior to his public announcement.

“It is no mystery that they are absolute favourites, but Juve is a team on a similar level to Bayern, with the experience and the characteristics suitable for playing games of this magnitude”.

The two sides also met in the 2006 Champions League final, with Barcelona scoring twice late in the second half to win 2-1.

Asked if a supposed German “inferiority complex” in relation to the Italy team could be applied at club level, Bayern skipper Philipp Lahm nearly laughed into his sleeve when he reminded media of Bayern’s solid form against Juve in recent years.

Guardiola does not feel that pressure, however, saying he will leave Munich in the summer having gained a great deal, even if that one major European trophy does not arrive.

“Every team has its weaknesses and it’s our job to find them”.

“I would have liked to meet Juve in the semifinals or in the final”.

Vidal has already promised he will not celebrate if he scores and told Gazzetta dello Sport that he was relishing the prospect of facing Paul Pogba in midfield.

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli is eager to make home advantage count against Bayern Munich on Tuesday – stating their Champions League opponents are among the three best teams in the world.

The veteran defender will likely play from the start and believes Juventus can get something from the game.

Former Bayern forward Miroslav Klose summed up the difficulties facing the Bavarians. “I left because it was an opportunity for me and a good move for Juve, so we were all happy”.

Speculation about the Spanish mentor’s next club was rife following his announcement, but Vidal said the players were not made aware of Guardiola’s situation and they only learned about it from seeing it on the news. This is Juve’s weakness.