Juventus coach Max Allegri says he’s focused on bringing the Bianconeri back to the Champions League right now, ignoring questions about his future. Following a disappointing draw against Torino in their last away fixture, Allegri’s Juventus are set to face Cagliari tomorrow evening in a bid to extend their lead over their pursuers in third place and secure qualification to the Champions League:
“Of the eight league victories, Cagliari has secured six at home. It will be a very tough game; it’s always difficult to play in Cagliari, especially when the club is fighting for survival.” However, he stressed Juventus’ focus on their Champions League aspirations, stating, “We must aim for the Champions League. The most important game is tomorrow’s, then we’ll think about Lazio. A victory in the league would allow us to take a significant leap forward.”
Turning his attention to transfer matters and the performance of new signing Yildiz, Allegri commented, “We should have done better; we have the opportunity to improve. As for the transfer market, the club always takes care of that. We can’t change what has been done; the moves were made with the team in mind. Yildiz has great technical qualities, and I wish him an extraordinary career. Winning the Ballon d’Or, however, is very difficult.” He also addressed recent outbursts from players, stating, “I’m pleased with what Chiesa is doing, but he should demand more from himself. There have been worse outbursts; it’s part of the moment. A player always wants to stay on the field.”
Analyzing defensive strategies and European football, Allegri emphasized the importance of defensive solidity, stating, “Defensive solidity must be a strength of my teams. The only thing that doesn’t change in football is goal difference; that’s where the numbers lie to win championships.” Disagreeing with the notion of a gap between Italian and foreign football, he highlighted recent successes of Italian clubs in European competitions.
Looking ahead, Allegri outlined the challenges facing Juventus in the remaining fixtures of the season, emphasizing the need to take one step at a time. He also addressed ongoing transfer rumors and the future, stating, “We live with transfer rumors normally; it’s not the first time, it always happens at this time of the season.” He urged everyone to focus on the current objectives and expressed his determination to guide Juventus to Champions League qualification and a Coppa Italia final.
