Carrera rues nervous start from Juve

3 October 2012 03:25

Caretaker coach Massimo Carrera says Juventus were 'timid and tense' in their 1-1 draw at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

A goal by Leonardo Bonucci levelled the scores in the Champions League clash at Juventus Stadium after the Ukrainian visitors had taken the lead via Alex Teixeira.

The result means Juve have taken a total of two points from their first two Group E fixtures following a 2-2 draw at Chelsea on matchday one.

"We went out onto the field a little timid and tense," Carrera said.

"We conceded a goal, but did well to get straight back."

"Last season we did not play in Europe, so maybe this is why we are so tired. We are not used to playing so many games and we have not been able to let some important players rest so far.

"Teams in the Champions League are strong, but we will fight against everyone. We have some really strong teams in our group, but I am sure that Juventus will be competitive until the end."

Despite the disappointing draw, in which Shakhtar had several opportunities to net a winner, goal-scorer Bonucci still believes Juve can do well in Europe.

"We went on to the pitch a little too timid," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"However, considering how the game was going, we did well to get back in it."

"When we attacked Shakhtar, we put them under a lot of pressure. Juventus must always seek to take the game to the opponents."

Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu offered an insight to how his players halted the home side's forays forward: "We had the advantage in terms of possession, and we made Juventus run a lot.

"We made Juventus run a lot, and had more chances to score than they did. I am very glad about the way we played."

After beating Danish newcomers Nordsjaelland on matchday one, Shakhtar are joint top in Group E on four points, level with Chelsea.