BEPPE Marotta says Juventus will spend “whatever it takes” to launch another assault on the Champions League next season following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Barcelona.
The club struggled in Europe under Antonio Conte but have re-emerged as a force in the competition under Massimiliano Allegri this term, while winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Juve have already completed the +32 million signing of Palermo forward Paulo Dybala and Marotta revealed more signings could well be on the way.
“It’s a great satisfaction to have come this far, but the defeat won’t stop us,” said Juve’s CEO. “We are ready to do whatever it takes to improve a team that’s already important.”
Ivan Rakitic put Barcelona 1-0 up early on in Berlin before Alvaro Morata’s second half equaliser, but goals from Luis Suarez and Neymar saw the Catalans win the treble and extinguish Juve’s hopes of achieving the same feat.
However, the Bianconeri had a strong case for a second half penalty after Paul Pogba went to ground following a tussle with Dani Alves, only for the referee to wave play on, and Marotta admits he felt his side were hard done to.
“Everyone saw where we started from. This season is extraordinary regardless of the result. And it was a shame because Pogba should have had a penalty – but we won’t make excuses.”
Defeat also means it is now 19 years since the Bianconeri last won the competition in 1996, having also tasted defeat in the 2003 final at the hands of AC Milan.