In a press conference ahead of Verona-Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri opened up about the team’s current state and how they’ve prepared for the upcoming match against Verona, where they aim to bounce back after securing just two points in their last three games, including a defeat to Inter.
“It’s not a good moment, especially because we’ve only managed to earn one point in two home games. Playing away at Verona is always tricky because we’ll be facing a tough opponent. Baroni is doing an excellent job given the circumstances. We need to have a better attitude, not just in terms of performance but also in paying attention to details. Criticism won’t help,” said Allegri at the press conference.
On the possibility of changing the formation, Allegri explained: “We’ll continue as we are because three negative results don’t change the course of the season. There’s no need for a change; our performances haven’t been poor but have aligned with what Juventus has been up to now. We’ve suffered due to details; we can’t afford to concede goals like the one against Udinese from a set-piece. We’re working every day to have more offensive players, but then there’s also the team’s balance and the players’ conditions. Football isn’t a mathematical equation.”
Regarding the return of Vlahovic and Chiesa, Allegri stated: “Federico is finding better form and will be important for the end of the season. Tomorrow, Vlahovic will return, and I’ll have four attackers. I’ll have to make a decision, and regardless of who starts, it will be the attitude that needs to change.”
Speaking about the team’s current situation and the absence of trophies, Allegri remarked: “It’s not frustrating. I’ve been fortunate to win many trophies with important teams. Juventus hasn’t won a trophy for two years, it’s true, but we still have the Coppa Italia in play. We haven’t played in the Champions League not due to our faults, and it hadn’t happened since 2011 for sporting merits, while there have been teams that haven’t played it for 6/7 years. Here, we’re used to winning trophies, but there are also opponents. Currently, we’re not there, and we must return to it as soon as possible.”
On the future of the squad, Allegri said: “We need to take it one step at a time, try to finish this season as best as possible, learning from what we’ve thrown away in the last three matches. Juventus has a squad with many young players who have gained experience this year, and it has executives who will do everything to strengthen it since there could be many more games.”
Regarding his own future, Allegri mentioned: “I still have a year left on my contract, and we’re working well this year. The important thing is to finish in the best possible way.”
Responding to the reaction after the recent results, Allegri said: “In these moments, the more we talk, the less we do. Getting a result tomorrow is much more challenging than other times because we’re coming from a negative moment. We’ll need to run more than others because then we have excellent technical qualities to win the game.”
On the new arrivals Alcaraz and Djalo, Allegri commented: “Alcaraz is growing, and he has a very fast learning ability. I’m very happy with what he’s doing. Djalo is coming back from an injury and has resumed training with the team. Perhaps he’ll be useful for the upcoming matches.”
