PRESS ROOM | Yerry Mina’s words

At the end of the match against Juventus, Rossoblu defender Yerry Mina – one of the key players in tonight’s victory – spoke to the media. These are his statements:

RED AND BLUE WARRIORS
“The perfect match may not exist, but today we all gave 100%, we were warriors, we put in a great performance. It wasn’t easy against a great team like Juventus: they have players with so much quality, they play at full speed. I thank God, everyone: the team, the coach, the staff. We made up for the Genoa match, where we made some mistakes: this is also football, we needed a night like today.”

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COACH
“I thank the coach. He helped me get over this situation quickly. I’m managing a small knee problem. Even though I wasn’t 100%, I gave it my all. Before the match, the coach came to me and said: ‘How are you, Yerry? I trust you.’ ‘Coach, I’m in a bit of pain, but I’m here, I’m better, let’s fight together.’ We all have difficult moments, but the important thing is to always get over them as quickly as possible. I admire the coach, as a man and as a coach. I’m close to him; like me, he comes from a difficult city. During the match, I told him: ‘Coach, these three points are too important, let’s protect them at all costs, no one can take them away from us.'”

HEART AND PROUD
“Our fans moved me with what they did for us tonight: we could feel them, from the stands they transmitted their strength to us, they pushed us on. I thank them. The armband? I feel Sardinian, I identify with these people. It’s a source of pride to play for these colors, to represent this land. My man-marking? You can’t give an inch to strong players like Juventus; they have the ability to punish you immediately at the first lapse in concentration. That’s why I always play hard, even in training; I’m not one who likes to lose. But always with respect for everyone and without ever hurting anyone. We are professionals.”

A GREAT TEAM PERFORMANCE
It was a great team performance, especially defensively: containing Juve required maximum focus. We did everything we’d prepared during the week with the coach, following his instructions. The most difficult moment of the match? The second half, they were pushing hard, looking for the equalizer; we were a bit tired, struggling to get out: we doubled our energy, all of us, we stayed united. How am I? I feel better, I’m happy, now let’s focus on the next one. We have to keep going like this. The World Cup? It’s a goal, not just to take part, but to be a key player. A dedication for the victory? It goes to my wife, first and foremost, and then to my agent, Simone Rondanini, who gave me a hand before the match.