Marchisio: Juventus have harder edge thanks to Conte

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has hailed the impact of coach Antonio Conte for instilling a new fearless mindset into the side.

With Juve ending the year as joint Serie A leaders with AC Milan, the midfielder believes that the new coach’s style has brought out the best in himself and the club.

“Conte has brought a new mentality to the club,” Marchisio told Reuters.

“One of his merits has been to eliminate the fear which had unfortunately taken hold at the club after years of disappointing results.”

Having been stripped of their 2005 and 2006 Scudetti following match-fixing scandals, the club has since been unable to claim the Serie A title.

However, since the appointment of Conte in May this year, Juventus have yet to lose in the league, having recorded nine wins and seven draws in 16 fixtures.

“The boss knows what winning means and he brings that winning mindset to the club every day based on his own hard-working, committed character,” Marchisio said.

The 25-year-old Italian also believes that the style of play employed by Conte has allowed him to perform more effectively on the pitch.

“I think the new system has helped bring out my best qualities,” he said.

“I’ve always thought of myself as a central midfielder with good technical ability and a good engine. The boss’ new style helps my game and I’ve been able this season to get between the opponents’ defensive lines.”

Marchisio has been a star performer for Juventus this season, having scored six goals in 16 appearances in the league.

They will hope to begin 2012 on a positive note when they take on Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare on January 8.