Juve have great players, says Pepe

Real Madrid defender Pepe is showing Juventus respect ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League meeting.

Real will host the Bianconeri this week as they look for their third win from three European Cup games this season.

“Juventus are one of Europe’s and Italy’s big teams,” he told the Bwin website. “The match could go either way because we are two great teams.

“They have two Champions League titles and great footballers.

“We have to respect all of their players. They have key ones like Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo, but I think the most important thing about them is the team as a whole.”

When asked which player he would take out of the Juve side if such an opportunity existed, the Portuguese international refused to answer.

“They are all very good players, but I don’t think that taking any of them out of the team is good because people like to see that all of the players are at a high level.

“Juve have a lot of them and that is good for the show,” continued the former Porto man. “So that is why I wouldn’t choose anyone.”

Juventus have drawn both of their Champions League games this season – against FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray.