Fernando Llorente

[Socrates 8467]

Serie A stars add to tributes following death
of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova

Apr 27, 2014

Serie A joined the footballing world in mourning the premature death of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, with Juventus duo Fernando Llorente and Andrea Pirlo offering their condolences via social media.

His death at just 45-years-old was officially announced on Friday evening after the Spaniard had fought a relapse of the throat cancer that had caused him to resign as Barcelona coach at the end of the last campaign.

“You have been an example of a struggle for everyone, you will always be remembered Tito. Rest in peace,” countryman Llorente posted in Twitter.

Bianconeri midfielder Pirlo reiterated those feelings and expressed how such a tragic end can make people appreciate those around them.

“I cling to family and friends after the death of Mr Vilanova,” Pirlo announced on Twitter.

Despite a vital win over AC Milan to keep pressure on Juventus at the top of Serie A Roma captain Francesco Totti included his thoughts of Vilanova’s passing during his post-match interview.

“The whole day has given us joy, but also bitterness and sorrow for the death of Tito Vilanova,” Totti told Tuttomercatoweb.

“He left as a football man respected by many and I join the condolences expressed by athletes throughout the world.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: We deserved more

May 2, 2014

Fernando Llorente believes that Juventus ‘deserved more’ after crashing out of the Europa League.

The Bianconeri could only draw 0-0 with Benfica on Thursday evening, exiting the competition 2-1 on aggregate at the Last Four stage.

But the Spanish striker has insisted that his men can’t feel sorry for themselves, ahead of a crucial League clash with Atalanta.

“We gave everything in the Europa League this year,” he told Juve TV.

“It's a pity we couldn’t make the final - we deserved more than we got.

“But I would like to thank the fans, they were truly incredible last night. The atmosphere produced by the fans is fantastic, they always help us.”

The former Athletic Bilbao man then commented on his own personal season, and Monday’s match with La Dea.

“15 goals represent a decent haul for me, but you can always improve. I always aim to do better.

“We need to pick ourselves up straightaway after yesterday’s defeat, we've got an extremely important game ahead of us on Monday.

“Atalanta won't be an easy game. We need to try and put in a top performance and get back amongst the goals.

“It's not easy in the League, many teams have caused us problems, but so far we've done really well.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: 'Spectacular debut year'

May 5, 2014

Fernando Llorente feels he’s had a “spectacular” debut Serie A season, winning the Scudetto with Juventus.

“It’s spectacular to come here and win the Scudetto in my first season. It’s incredible, a dream for me, and now after such hard work we can enjoy it,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have many things that need to be improved, but work is the right path forward. We have Antonio Conte with us and hope to do better every year.”

They had already secured the title on Sunday thanks to Roma’s 4-1 defeat at Catania, but beat Atalanta 1-0 this evening in Turin.

“We had to play in order to win, as we can still set a new record for points in a single season.

“I am truly happy, as I was always told it would not be easy in my first year in Italy, but I’m happy with the work I did for the team.”

[Socrates 8467]

Reviewing Fernando Llorente's 2013-14 season

May 21, 2014

Much like the way they arrived in Turin, Carlos Tévez and Fernando Llorente began their 2013-14 season in completely different scenarios. Juve's new No. 10 came out full guns blazing, scoring the game-winner against Sampdoria on his official Serie A debut. Llorente, on the other hand, was essentially shaking off the rust of his lack of playing time the season before, having to wait his turn before Antonio Conte felt he was truly ready to play.

Many wondered, why, exactly, Conte wasn't going with Mirko Vucinic rather than Llorente alongside Tévez. The Italian press went on a full-court press, thinking of every possible scenario as to why Llorente wasn't playing. Remember those rumors two weeks into the season that Fernando was off to London to sign with Arsenal? Yeah, those were pretty hilarious.

Okay, cliche time: Good things come to those who wait.

Llorente admitted that it would take time to get up to speed considering everything he had been trough the previous season with Bilbao. And it was no fault of his, of course. There's only so much you can do when you're basically frozen out of a squad for an entire season. But that was Fernando's reality no matter how much work he put in during training.

Scoring between 15 and 17 goals in his first season with Juventus wasn't exactly out of the question based on his career accomplishments in Spain. Llorente, pre-Bilbao exit, was one of the better prima puntas La Liga had to offer. And when you consider the squad he was joining, it's not like there was going to be a lack of scoring opportunities to take advantage of.

The end result in Llorente's first season in Turin? Glad you asked...

Sixteen goals on 63 shots on goal? I'd say that's a pretty good ratio. Llorente started 29 league games, played 2,502 minutes total in his 34 Serie A appearances. So basically, he scored a goal every other game — which is something that I'd take pretty much every day of the week. And then when you consider the season he was coming off of, one where he seemingly strapped to the Bilbao bench, it's even that much more impressive.

Even with the outside factors, Llorente's first season with Juventus has to be considered pretty good ... right? I remember sitting down to write the preseason Llorente post and basically having three possible outcomes of how things might go pop into my head.


1. Llorente will light Serie A on fire and score goals like they're basically going out of style.

2. Llorente will be good, but not great, scoring a decent amount goals - some of which being decisive.

3. Llorente will be completely meh, sprinkling in sporadic quality performances around a bunch of so-so outings.


I guess in that scenario listing there should have been a fourth option, something between No. 1 and No. 2. Llorente didn't light Serie A on fire and score goals like a mad man. But Llorente wasn't "good, but not great," either. Llorente was great at times — that's a definite way to describe Llorente in the middle part of the season as he scored goals in both Serie A and the Champions League. There were other times when Llorente was so-so and really didn't have huge impacts on games.

The final verdict was something that is undoubtedly really good. And compared to what Juve were getting from their lead strikers in previous season, I makes Llorente's season look that much better.

The biggest thing for Llorente going forward is that now he gets to have a "normal" summer — even if he ends up going to Brazil with the Spanish national team. There won't be the extra incentive to knock the rust. He will be in the same boat as everybody else whenever he starts preseason training.

"E' SOLO BELLO?" huh, Tuttosport? I think Fernando Llorente is having the last laugh. And he should be.

[Socrates 8467]

Spain: Reina & Albiol in, Llorente out

May 25, 2014

Pepe Reina and Raul Albiol have been included in Spain’s 18-man squad for their friendly with Bolivia.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has announced the list that will take part in the match next Friday at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

And the Napoli duo are amongst the players who will play on May 30.

There is however, no place for Juventus’ Fernando Llorente or those who took part in the Champions League final.


Goalkeepers: Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Man Utd)

Defenders: Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla)

Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic), Juan Mata (Man Utd), David Silva (Man City) [Gerard Deulofeo, Barcelona]

Forwards: Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente 'adapting well' to Italy

May 26, 2014

Fernando Llorente believes he has adapted to life in Italy very well, but admits that he can improve ‘every aspect’ of his game.

The Spanish striker enjoyed a superb first season in Serie A with Juventus, netting 16 goals in 34 appearances following his arrival from Athletic Bilbao.

“I think, for my first year in Italy, it was a good one,” he told AS. “As a group we achieved something spectacular in winning the League with over 100 points.

“On a personal note though, I want to improve everything. The changes haven’t been easy, but I’m convinced I can still grow as a player and adapt fully to the club and Italian football.

“Tuin is very nice, you can walk around very easily. I’ve adapted to Italian life very quickly. I don’t regret any decisions that I’ve made.”

[Socrates 8467]

Valencia ready to make Llorente offer

May 30, 2014

Valencia are ready to make a ‘huge bid’ for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente, according to reports.

The Spain international was one of the stand-out performers for the Bianconeri last season, adapting well to Italian football despite only joining from Athletic Bilbao in the summer.

The towering forward netted 16 times in Serie A, forging a superb partnership with fellow newcomer Carlos Tevez.

But having signed on a free from Los Leones, La Sexta claim that Antonio Conte’s men would be willing to off-load Llorente if they can receive a large fee.

And it is suggested that under new owner Peter Lim, Los Che would table a massive offer in order to get their man.

Valencia have also been linked with Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko.

[Socrates 8467]

Costa gamble another blow to credibility
of Juventus and Serie A

Despite Fernando Llorente's wonderful debut season in Italy, he was overlooked for
the Spain World Cup squad by Vicente del Bosque, losing out on a place to Diego Costa.

May 31, 2014

Juventus may have swept aside all challengers in Serie A last season; they may have surpassed an unprecedented century of points; they may only have lost twice through the entire 38 match campaign; they may have won their third successive Scudetto.

But there appears to be at least two important decision makers in world football who are not impressed by those facts, or more accurately, the individuals who helped make them happen.

When Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella announced his squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, there were a few who were surprised, even angry, to see Carlos Tevez omitted from his final 23.

Tevez had been a leading player in Juve’s success, contributing 19 goals in the league. He was however, not a one-man show. For backing him, in terms of goals and assists, was Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, who had completed an impressive debut season in Italy by hitting the net 17 times.

If Sabella could overlook Tevez, surely Llorente’s efforts would be too much for del Bosque to ignore.

How wrong we were.

Like lightning striking twice, the coach who guided Spain to victory in the last World Cup and in Euro 2012 decided to follow Sabella’s lead by overlooking yet another of Turin’s best - a sizable jolt to those who believe the Italian league is one of the best around and have a similarly high opinion of Juventus.

Star names, national heroes and hugely talented individuals have missed past World Cups through injury, oversight and personal reasons, but for two players so key to one club’s enormous domestic success to be canned is almost unprecedented.

What makes Llorente’s plight all the more shocking is that Del Bosque has decided to go with a player who has been struggling with injury for the last few weeks, let alone being 100% match ready.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, Del Bosque’s preferred option above Llorente and Manchester City’s Alvaro Negredo, has been desperately trying to overcome an ongoing hamstring problem that first surfaced weeks ago. The injury even curtailed his contribution to his club’s La Liga decider against Barcelona two weeks ago and the Champion League final last week.

In Camp Nou, Costa was replaced after just 15 minutes. Then, in the meeting with city rivals Real, the Atletico marksman succumbed to the effects of the injury after just nine minutes of action.

Few gave the Brazil-born striker a hope of playing in Lisbon. After his early departure, many more have doubted his preparation and readiness for the demands of a World Cup finals tournament. But Del Bosque has decided to take the risk.

Given his CV, you have to believe del Bosque knows best. Or rather those who are advising him (from a medical background rather than dealers in potions akin to witch doctoring) do.

But taking Costa across the Atlantic has to be a major risk - possibly even more of a major folly seeing who Del Bosque overlooked and left back home, or on holiday.

Do Spain really need Costa that much? Does del Bosque? Who can say?

What is known is that the former Real Madrid coach is not the first international manager to turn up at football’s biggest show carrying damaged goods.

England took key contributors Kevin Keegan, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney respectively to the 1982, 2002 and 2006 World Cup final tournaments, all when carrying significant injuries and a doctor’s note for their managers expecting them to be healthy.

None were, which backfired badly on the incumbent coach at the time.

In winning in South Africa and a couple of European Championships, Del Bosque will have gambled a couple once or twice along the way - but maybe never to the extent he has with Costa.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente cut from Spain WC squad

May 31, 2014

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has been left out of Spain’s 23-man squad for the World Cup.

The Bianconeri goalscorer, who impressed in his first season in Serie A, has not been included in the travelling squad to go to Brazil.

Instead, Coach Vicente Del Bosque has opted for Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa, despite him being an injury concern.

Napoli duo Pepe Reina and Raul Albiol however, do make the cut.


Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), David De Gea (Manchester United)

Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Sergio Ramos (Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Koke (Atletico), Xabi Alonso (Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), David Silva (Manchester City), Juan Mata (Man Utd), Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Pedro Rodriguez (all Barcelona)

Forwards: Fernando Torres (Chelsea), David Villa, Diego Costa (Atletico)

[Socrates 8467]

Morata in, then Llorente out?

Jun 4, 2014

Juventus will reportedly consider Fernando Llorente’s sale only once a move for Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata has been completed.

The Bianconeri are believed to be in continued negotiations with Los Blancos over Morata’s arrival this summer, with the player understood to have chosen the Italians over a potential switch out to Germany.

Reports are that negotiations are set at around the €15m mark for the 21-year-old, with Madrid seen as pushing for a slight increase.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, however, indicate that the main sticking point may be the Spaniards’ insistence in including a buyback clause in any deal, to allow them to repurchase Morata further down the line for a pre-agreed price.

It is a situation that the pink paper reports has the club only willing to listen to potential offers for Fernando Llorente once any deal for his compatriot is complete.

Speculation of late has been that Llorente is available should a significant offer arrive this summer and that he would be open to a return to Spain.

It is understood also by the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport that Barcelona had asked for either Llorente or Arturo Vidal to be included in a potential deal for Alexis Sanchez.

Whilst Juve are seen to have rejected this notion, it was reportedly put forward as a result of a continued gap in valuation on Alexis, with the Old Lady believed to be offering around €17m for the former Udinese man and Barca asking for €25m.

[Socrates 8467]

Juventus could consider Llorente sale

Jun 6, 2014

Juventus are considering selling striker Fernando Llorente, as they look to open spaces for new attackers.

The former Athletic Bilbao player only joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer one year ago.

According to La Stampa, Carlos Tevez is the only forward with an assured role for next season.

La Liga sides Barcelona and Valencia are both considered to be possible destinations for the 29-year-old, who was not chosen by national coach Vicente Del Bosque to make his squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Antonio Conte’s Serie A champions are reported to be seeking at least €20 million for the services of a player who scored 16 league goals in the 2013-14 season, believing it would be great business having acquired him for nothing last year.

Juventus are out to mount a sustained Champions League challenge next season.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: I'm staying at Juve

Jun 23, 2014

Fernando Llorente has claimed that he will be staying at Juventus, despite links of a move away.

The Spanish goalscorer has been rumoured to be leaving the Bianconeri after just one season in Serie A.

Having arrived from Athletic Bilbao on a Bosman last summer, reports had suggested that the towering forward could be sold for a massive profit during the off-season.

But the Spain international has insisted that he will be remain in Turin and is happy to do so.

“My future is at Juventus. My phone has not rung,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have had a quiet holiday. I'm glad to be here – I’m not thinking of anything else.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: I’m staying at Juventus

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League
after just one season at the club, but insists his future remains in Turin.

Jun 24, 2014

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from the club.

The Spain striker, who joined from Athletic Bilbao last summer on a free transfer, recovered from a difficult start in Italy to hit 16 goals in 34 Serie A appearances as Juve won a third straight Serie A title.

But despite rumours the Old Lady are ready to offload the 29-year-old, who was left out of Vicente Del Bosque’s World Cup squad, Llorente says he is not considering a move away from Turin.

“My future? It is with Juventus and I feel very happy here,” he told Sky Italia.

“I have had a quiet break. I'm glad to be here and I’m not thinking of anything else.”

Llorente has three years to run on his current contract but has been linked with a move to the Premier League as Juve continue their pursuit of Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente on Tevez 'understanding'

Jul 7, 2014

Fernando Llorente has praised teammate Carlos Tevez, and admits that he has a new understanding of fitness after joining Juventus.

The Spanish striker joined the Bianconeri last summer, signing on a free from Athletic Bilbao, and forming a tremendous partnership with the Argentine.

And the Roja international has been moved to commend his goalscoring ally, as well as commenting on Antonio Conte’s training methods.

“I’ve never trained as hard as I have since I’ve been here,” he told Hurra Juventus.

“I have a great understanding with Carlitos. He is a true warrior on the pitch.

“He defends the ball so well. He might be small in stature, but even the best defenders have difficulty getting the ball off him.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: Serie A the priority

Jul 14, 2014

Juventus forward Fernando Llorente says confirming their supremacy in Serie A will remain the Old Lady’s priority this season.

The Turin side have won the Scudetto in each of the last three campaigns. As such their performances in Europe are set to come under greater scrutiny this year.

However, speaking at a Press conference today, the Spaniard warned his side against complacency in domestic competition and said Serie A would remain the club’s barometer of success.

“Confirming our domination in Serie A is very important for us, it’s a very difficult League,” Llorente stated on the first day of Juve’s pre-season training.

“In the first year it was very hard and we suffered against the smaller teams too.

“Roma have strengthened and then there are very big teams like Napoli and the new Milan. There is Inter too.

“For us it will be very important to confirm ourselves again as the best in the League. Concentrating on the League will be important because if we do well in Serie A, we will also do well in the cups.”

Llorente also insisted the Old Lady would be able to compete in Europe despite their lack of financial clout and discussed perspective new signing, compatriot Alvaro Morata.

“There is no need to be worried. We saw Atletico Madrid, without a lot of money they had a spectacular season. That’s the path to follow.

“Morata has done great things in Madrid. We’ll see what happens, these are things that concern the club.

“However, he still hasn’t called me.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente explains early return

Jul 14, 2014

Fernando Llorente says he began pre-season training before the rest of the Juventus squad because he needs more time to gain fitness.

The Bianconeri returned to begin preparations for the new campaign today, with the exception of the Spaniard who started a week ago.

Speaking at a Press conference today, the forward admitted he struggled physically in the early part of last year and revealed his decision was based on a desire to avoid a repeat.

“It’s true that I have already been training here for a week,” Llorente told journalists. “I think that for me it’s important because I am a player who takes a bit of time to get into shape physically.

“Given that at the start of last year I had some problems at the start, I wanted to train a bit earlier.

“Hopefully now I will suffer a little less at the start, where we will work a lot. I hope it all goes well.”

Llorente then spoke of his desire to remain an Old Lady player for years to come.

“For me, staying at this club is something incredible. I am very happy to be here and I hope I can have another great season.

“Hopefully I can be even better, because for me staying here for all the years I can is very important.”

[Socrates 8467]

‘4-3-3? Only if Conte says so’

Jul 14, 2014

Fernando Llorente has not ruled out the possibility of Juventus switching to a 4-3-3 formation this season.

The Old Lady deployed a 3-5-2 system last year in another successful defence of their Serie A title.

However, at a Press conference today, it was put to the Spanish forward that the teams who have enjoyed success in European competition of late have tended to operate with a 4-3-3.

“For me it’s the same, the only thing I want is to play to help the team,” Llorente said. “I will do everything the boss tells me to.

“We will play in the way he says. We’ll see how we play best, we still have a lot of work to do in training. We will see in the end.

“We need to have the possibility of playing in other ways. We’ll see if the boss believes the 4-3-3 is possible with the players we have and the ones who could arrive.

“As I said before, we still have a lot of work to do. We need to see whether we’ll still be a strong team if we change system, if we do it well we will see.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: Conte contract no problem

Jul 14, 2014

Juventus’ Fernando Llorente says the fact Coach Antonio Conte has only a year left on his contract will have no influence on the Old Lady.

The Bianconeri tactician’s future was placed into doubt towards the end of last season, but he eventually agreed to remain in Turin for another year.

“There have been other times I have played in teams with Coaches who only had one year on their contract,” Llorente told a Press conference.

“In Italy you are used to Coaches having many years on their contract, but many prefer for that not to be the case. There is no difference, in the end the moment could come this season when he renews.

“Conte is a great Coach and he will give everything for the team as he has always done.”

Llorente also passed comment on Italy’s poor performance at the World Cup and said he was surprised at the Azzurri’s failure to reach the knockout stages.

“I am sorry for Italy, because I thought they could have gone on for longer. The match with Uruguay was very even.

“Italy had chances to win, but that’s football.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: I want to be at Juventus
for as long as possible

The Spanish striker hopes to stay with the club for many years
and is looking to improve on his impressive goalscoring record next season.

Jul 15, 2014

Fernando Llorente says he would love to play for Juventus for "as long as possible".

The Spanish striker enjoyed a bright first season at the Italian giants as they secured a third consecutive Serie A title ahead of Roma.

And Llorente insists he is hoping to improve on his goalscoring rate of 16 goals in 34 appearances and says he would love to stay at the club for many years.

"For me, staying at this great club is something incredible. I am very happy to be here and I hope I can have another great season," he told reporters.

"I hope can do even better than last season, I would love to stay as long as possible."

Despite signing a one-year contract at the end of the season, coach Antonio Conte's long term future is still in doubt at the Italian giants and Llorente maintains that it will not affect him or the rest of the team.

"There have been other times I have played in teams with coaches who only had one year on their contract.

"In Italy you are used to coaches having many years on their contract, but many prefer for that not to be the case. There is no difference, in the end the moment could come this season when he renews.

"Conte is a great coach and he will give everything for the team as he has always done."

[Socrates 8467]

Projecting Fernando Llorente's 2014-15 season

Jul 26, 2014

On the first day of preseason training, Fernando Llorente told the press in attendance a simple reason why he was early to arrive at Vinovo: He showed up a week early because he didn't want to have a repeat of last season.

But this season isn't like last season.

There will be no coming off months of no playing time and being frozen out of an Athletic Bilbao squad. Instead, Llorente went from free transfer to one of the key pieces in Juventus' third straight title. His partnership with Carlos Tévez was one of the best 1-2 punches in all of Europe last season, as the Beauty and the Beast tandem scored a combined 35 goals in Serie A a year ago. While it was delayed satisfaction for the big Spaniard, Llorente ended the season with one of the best goal tallies of his career.

Not bad, right? Nope, not bad at all.

So that leaves one question: What's next for El Rey León?

You look back on what Llorente did a season ago in Serie A — 16 goals and five assists in 29 starts (34 games overall) — and just think that it's the continuation of what he's done in Spain. He shook off the rust and then got back to being, well, Fernando Llorente. How do I know this? Because there's evidence that says so.

What does Llorente's last five seasons in Spain sans 2012-13 freeze out tell us? That right there is consistency, ladies and gents. Fernando plays, Fernando scores goals. Fernando plays consistently, Fernando contributes consistently. It's not any kind of whacky formula that can only be broken down with some kind of scientific degree.

Llorente's game is more than just goals, assists and flicks, of course. It's not like we can measure the sheer importance of his ability to hold up the ball as a target man by simple numbers and then share them with the masses. Llorente can supply opportunities almost as well as he can put them away in the back of the net. But his main job is to score. And based on what he did last season, when he's clicking, he's easily one of the best threats to lead the line in all of Serie A and Europe.

That's exactly what he showed us last season. Once the rust was shaken off, Llorente got down to business.

But a different year brings different happenings, a somewhat different roster and different things going on at the club. Like, say, who is managing Juventus for the future in the short term.

Obviously the possibility of the long-rumored Juventus switch to a 4-3-3 formation doesn't seem as likely now that Max Allegri in the guy in charge as it seemed like when Antonio Conte was still inhibiting the managerial position. Could Llorente thrive the way he did in a formation like a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-2-1 like he did in the 3-5-2 Conte used last season? There's no doubt in my mind that Llorente's talent, ability and attributes as a striker are there to play in pretty much any kind of tactical lineup and formation Allegri decides to go with this season. You just can't help but think what it would have been like with Llorente being the middle man in the three-pronged attack, though. Good service from both wings and the Lion King would be using every bit of that 6-foot-5 frame to smash home headers.

Of course that's still possible, but, ah, what could have been under Antonio...


FERNANDO LLORENTE 2014-15 PROJECTION (SERIE A ONLY)

Games: 35 games

Starts: 30 starts

Goals: 17

Assists: 6

[Socrates 8467]

A very young Fernando Llorente ... Goals scoring has always been his passion!

[Socrates 8467]

Juventus can win the Champions League, says Llorente

The Spanish striker is confident that his side will be scrapping it out for Europe's
biggest prize this coming season - despite failing to get out of the group stage last term.

Aug 13, 2014

Juventus forward Fernando Llorente is adamant that the Turin club are capable of challenging for the Champions League title this season.

The Italian champions, under the tutelage of former boss Antonio Conte, were eliminated from the group stage of the competition last term.

However, Llorente feels that Atletico Madrid proved by reaching the 2014 final, where they were beaten after extra-time by city rivals Real, that it is possible to compete with the continent's richer clubs.

"I think Juventus belong in the group [who will fight for the Champions League]," the Spain international told Tuttosport.

"We have to try. It's obvious that it'll be very difficult. But last year, for example, no one thought that Atletico Madrid could come so close to winning it.

"In football, anything can happen. We have to work very hard in order to have a crazy year. We must believe, dream that we can do it."

Llorente went on to admit that he had some teething problems when he first moved to the club last summer but feels that he can be proud of his first season in Serie A.

"Last year it was very hard for me at first," the towering striker continued. "In the first few months, I wasn't used to Conte's work.

"After the summer training camp in Chatillon, I felt physically sick and morale was low. But 18 goals is a good season.

"I hope to do better now. I hope to have more chances in every sense. Fans must have confidence in this team; we are even stronger."

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: I'll be even better

Aug 13, 2014

Fernando Llorente has assured Juventus fans that he will be even better this season.

The Spanish striker scored 18 goals in his first campaign in Italy, but the former Athletic Bilbao man has insisted that having adapted to Serie A, he can now kick on.

“I’m really happy to be in Italy,” he told Tuttosport. “In the end I scored 18 goals between the League and the Champions League.

“We got the title with a record amount of points. It was a good season for me, even more so because it’s my first outside Spain.

“Last year was not easy for me. Although it ended well because of the Scudetto.

“This year though, I hope to have more chances and score even more goals.”

Llorente commented on his slightly disappointing start to life at the Bianconeri, and the goal at Verona that changed things.

“Suddenly I changed after that goal. That really helped me regain my confidence.”

The goalscorer went on to assure supporters that Massimiliano Allegri will definitely bring something to the Old Lady.

“He’s a great Coach. He won everything in Italy for three years. The fans should have confidence in this team.

“We have the same group as last year plus some new names who will be equally as important.

“I think our level has been raised. Allegri is a great Coach, and now we have to give him – and the supporters – performances on the pitch.”

[Socrates 8467]

'CL very difficult, but Juve believe'

Aug 13, 2014

Fernando Llorente has admitted that it will be ‘very difficult’ for Juventus to compete in the Champions League this season.

The Bianconeri were knocked out of Europe’s elite club competition at the group stage last time out.

But the Spanish striker believes that that experience could help them into the latter stages during this campaign.

“We will give our all,” he told Tuttosport. “It’s clear that things will be very difficult.

“But last year, for example, no one thought that Atletico Madrid would get all the way to the final.

“We have to work hard in every game, but we have to believe we can do it.”

The 29-year-old also commented on his relationship with Alvaro Morata and his former club Athletic Bilbao – who take on Napoli in the Champions League qualifiers.

“Alvaro and I have a good relationship. We speak, and I told him how good it was here.

“I think the competition for places will be good for everyone. We’ve spent a lot of time together in Turin – he’s a friend, not a rival.

“I’ll continue to help him. He’s a great striker and I’m glad he’s here.

“Napoli will be favourites, but of course I am cheering on Athletic. I’ve already spoken to some of my old teammates and told them about Napoli.

“But if they leave San Paolo with a good result, they have a great chance of going through.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: We're stronger than before

Aug 14, 2014

Fernando Llorente believes that Juventus will be even stronger next season thanks to their summer signings.

The Bianconeri have brought in Patrice Evra, Alvaro Morata and Romulo to strengthen the first team.

And the striker has insisted that despite losing Antonio Conte, the Old Lady will be even better than they were in their record-breaking campaign last time.

“We've got a fantastic group that's been strengthened over the summer,” he told reporters in Singapore.

“We can improve and become even stronger.”

The former Athletic Bilbao man was then asked about youngster Kingsley Coman, who has joined from Paris Saint-Germain.

“Coman's a great talent and a good guy. He's got a really bright future ahead of him.”