Juventus Midfielder Christian Poulsen: We Have To Grasp The Nettle

Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen is pressing his team-mates to lift their level ahead of three crucial matches that could determine their fate in Serie A and the Champions League.

La Vecchia Signora take on Cagliari, Inter and then Bayern Munich over the next two weeks - games that could condition their entire season.

Losing to the Isolani and the Nerazzurri would dent their Scudetto hopes, while defeat to Bayern would see them fall off the Champions League precipice and land on the Europa League safety net.

It's a scenario Poulsen is eager to avoid, and he has stressed the importance of improvement.

"We have three big tests ahead of us and they are all very important to us," the Danish international told Juventus Channel.

"We played badly against Bordeaux, but we have to improve for Cagliari. It's important as we then play Inter at home after that.

"It went badly in Europe, but we still have a chance to get through to the last 16."

After a touch campaign last time out, Poulsen has already grasped the nettle of reform.

"I had a difficult time during the summer, but I prepared well and now I feel comfortable in the team. Last year served as a lesson to me," added the midfielder.

"Juve are a big team and it was not easy to insert myself in the squad. I like it here though. This is a great group and my performances are improving."