Europa League: Simon confident of victory against Juventus

Nantes have a tough hurdle to cross in the Europa League playoffs, but Simon believes that his side have enough quality to succeed 

Super Eagles forward Moses Simon is confident about victory against Juventus in the UEFA Europa League playoffs.

Nantes will square off against European juggernaut Juventus in the Europa League playoffs. For Nantes, reaching the knockout rounds of an European competition is clearly a signal of a good season, as the last time they experienced continental football was the 2000/01 season.

However, Nantes star man Simon is not a stranger to European nights, as he played in the Europa League during his time at Belgian Jupiler League side Gent.

Still, this year is different for him because of the opposition. Juventus’ collapse in recent years has landed them in the Europa League playoffs.

Despite the Old Lady’s stature, Simon is not disturbed, as he believes his Nantes side have the quality to take the game to the Turin giants.

“I think the only thing we are waiting for is a victory against Juventus,” Simon said on Europa League’s website.

“But we all know that in football you never know. Juventus is a great club, they have a great team. But we have to wait for D-Day and the best will win.

“We know of course, that many people will say that Nantes remains Nantes, that it is a small club.

“However, I think in this family, in this group, we have a good mindset, even when we lose, we try to never give up. So I think we will look no matter what to qualify.”

The last time Juventus played Nantes was in the 1996 Champions League semi-finals. Juve won 2-0 at home and then went through after a 3-2 loss in France.

They later won the final of the competition, beating Ajax on penalties. Moses would look to ensure that does not happen again.

The Super Eagles forward is yet to make a goal contribution in the Europa League, but he is the club’s live-wire, and he would hop to deliver the goods in Turin and Nantes.