Gleison Bremer gave an extensive interview to the official UEFA website ahead of Juventus' European campaign in the Europa League. The Brazilian defender spoke about the Bianconeri's ambitions in the competition, Luciano Spalletti, the great tradition of defenders in Turin, as well as much more personal topics.
A special place in the conversation was reserved for Gaetano Scirea, one of the greatest legends in Juventus history, while Bremer made no secret of his desire to one day leave a lasting mark of his own in the black and white shirt.
The Brazilian also reflected on the difficult period following his injury, revealing how reading, philosophy and playing the guitar helped him during his recovery.
However, perhaps the most interesting message for Juventus supporters concerned the current team: he believes in Spalletti's work and does not rule out the possibility of the Bianconeri going all the way in the Europa League.
ON JUVENTUS' HISTORY AND SCIREA
Speaking about Juventus' great tradition of defenders, Bremer particularly highlighted Gaetano Scirea.
"Many great defenders have written the history of this club and left their mark across different generations. I think especially of Gaetano Scirea, a legend of Juventus and the Italian national team. It is difficult to compare yourself with players like that and the pressure is enormous."
Bremer then clearly described his personal goal:
"I want to leave my mark."
The Brazilian added that he wants to give his maximum every time he steps onto the pitch, so that one day his name too might be remembered in Juventus history.
"I AM A VERY AGGRESSIVE DEFENDER"
Bremer describes himself as a very aggressive defender who uses his physical qualities to make a difference.
"I am a very aggressive defender. Physical strength is one of my main characteristics, as is my speed, and I am also very good in aerial duels. I always try to play in a way that allows me to make a difference."
At the same time, he admits that there are still aspects of his game that he needs to improve, and those are precisely the areas he is working on together with Spalletti.
ON SPALLETTI: "HE GAVE US DIRECTION"
Asked what Spalletti has brought to Juventus, Bremer did not hide how highly he rates the Italian coach.
"He gave us direction."
Bremer explained that Spalletti's arrival put the team on a certain path and that they have made significant progress since then.
"We have grown a lot with him. He is a top-level coach who helps us improve every day and try to achieve the objectives we have set ourselves."
This message takes on particular significance at a time when Spalletti's future has been widely discussed in the Italian media following the defeat to Sassuolo.
PAINFUL MEMORIES OF SEVILLA
Bremer knows the Europa League well. He played in the competition with Torino and later with Juventus, when the Bianconeri reached the semi-finals in the 2022/23 season.
"I played in this competition with Torino and I know how difficult it can be. We played against Wolverhampton, a very good team, and unfortunately we were eliminated."
However, his European campaign with Juventus still hurts even more.
"With Juventus, we reached the semi-finals against Sevilla. Unfortunately, we were unable to take that final step, reach the final and earn the opportunity to fight for the trophy."
Now he wants another opportunity with the Bianconeri.
"MAYBE WE CAN EVEN WIN THE EUROPA LEAGUE"
The part of the conversation about Juventus' ambitions is perhaps the most interesting section of the entire interview.
Bremer has no intention of treating the Europa League as a consolation competition.
"The Europa League is a great and very prestigious competition. Our desire is to go as far as possible and see how far we can get."
Then came the statement that could become the main talking point of the entire interview:
"Who knows, maybe we can even win it."
Juventus, therefore, are not simply looking for a good European campaign. Bremer believes the Bianconeri can dream of fighting for the trophy.
INJURY, ARISTOTLE AND SUN TZU
One of the most personal parts of the interview focused on the period following his serious knee injury.
Bremer said that he enjoyed reading even before the injury, but during his long recovery, books took on an entirely different significance.
"After the injury, reading brought me much more peace. It helped me get through that period and mentally disconnect from football. Philosophy really meant a lot to me at that time."
Among the works that particularly stayed with him were those of Aristotle and Sun Tzu's "The Art of War."
"Those books helped me find peace, enjoy life more and understand that life is not only about football. There is my family, and there are many other important things to think about."
Bremer believes that this way of thinking helped him deal much more calmly with one of the most difficult periods of his career.
A THOUGHT HE STILL CARRIES WITH HIM TODAY
UEFA asked him whether there was a particular philosophical thought that had stayed with him.
Bremer highlighted the idea that people are often not disturbed by what happens to them, but rather by the way they view and judge those events.
He said that the message had a profound impact on him and remains "engraved in his mind to this day."
NINE MONTHS OUT AND THE GUITAR AS THERAPY
During his rehabilitation, Bremer found another way to mentally step away from football – playing the guitar.
"Nine months away from the pitch is a really long time. I was looking for something that would help me relax, and that's when I started playing the guitar."
He had wanted to learn to play for some time, but his football commitments had never allowed him enough time.
"During my recovery, I finally had the chance to try some new things. The guitar became almost like therapy for me and helped me take my mind off football."
WHAT IS HARDER – FOOTBALL OR PLAYING THE GUITAR?
To finish the conversation on a lighter note, Bremer was asked what he finds more difficult – playing football or playing the guitar?
He had no doubts:
"Playing the guitar."
He has played football since childhood and it comes naturally to him, while he only started learning the guitar as an adult.
Source: official UEFA website
