Conte full of praise for hardworking Tevez

Posted Sunday, August 25, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Juventus manager Antonio Conte sang the praises of Carlos Tevez after the striker scored the winning goal against Sampdoria.

Fresh from their thumping of Lazio in the Italian Super Cup, Juventus kicked off their Serie A title defence with a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria thanks to Tevez's strike in the 58th minute.

Conte was pleased with Tevez's performance, in what was the summer signing's first game in the Italian league, and the Bianconeri manager pointed out to the club's official website that Tevez had contributed far more than the match winner.

"Tevez not only offers us quality up front but he helps out defensively too with all his harrying. A lot has been said about him but he's certainly not afraid of putting in the hard work," Conte noted.

"I'm not happy with a striker who's static and gets on the score sheet but doesn't get involved in building moves or defending. Tevez has scored twice already but he's also made a huge contribution to the team – that's something all my players have always done."

The Argentinean's goal was set up by young Paul Pogba, who has since come into his own while playing alongside some of the more established Juventus midfielders.

Conte hopes Pogba will continue to apply himself in training and achieve his full potential for the club.
"We've been working with him for a year now. He's got tremendous talent and he must keep striving to improve," he stated.

"He wants to be the best in the world and it's good to hear him talk like that because he's got everything he needs to become the perfect modern footballer. He has to keep his feet on the ground but he's not getting carried away. He knows what he needs to do to keep improving."

Juventus will play Lazio in Turin for their Serie A fixture next weekend.