Max Allegri defended his decisions in Juve’s 0-0 draw with Genoa, leaving them with just one win in their last eight matches. The Bianconeri struggled to create any clear chances and ended the game with 10 men when Dusan Vlahovic was sent off with just injury time remaining. Speaking with Sky Sport Italia after the match, Allegri suggested there were no issues with his squad selection and lashed out at journalist Gianfranco Teotino, who questioned Juve’s recent run of poor form:
“Was the unexpected result due to the training retreat? No, nothing happened. There was a bit of nervousness in the first half, but it was due to the importance of the match. We had an obligation to win, and we were a bit too blocked, but I believe we had a good second half, with good passes and without conceding shots on goal. We need to regroup after the break; it’s not an easy time, but the performance was better than the previous ones.”
“Embarrassment or nervousness in the team? No, only responsibility must be created, because reaching the Champions League spot is still 11 points away if I’m not mistaken, so we have to continue working and believing in what we do,” Allegri added.
Regarding the decision to warm up Yildiz and Iling in the first half, Allegri clarified, “I ask Chiesa and Kostic to have good games like everyone else. I’m happy with what they did; they put in a lot of effort. So, I chose to put Yildiz and Iling on to add some more technical ability in midfield.”
During the interview with Sky Sport, a brief debate ensued between Allegri and journalist Gianfranco Teotino regarding the team’s recent results. Allegri staunchly defended his position, asserting, “I’m not a politician; I’m a coach. The results aren’t coming? Excuse me, but we’re still third. I don’t need to cater to the public; I just try to do my best for the team. I don’t come to ask you if you know how to be journalists. Why did we only get 7 points? Then let me turn the question back to you: why did we get 46 before? I work for Juventus and have an objective to achieve. We’re doing our utmost, but everyone makes mistakes, myself included. You don’t want to understand; you just want to ask questions. Some understand, and some don’t.”
Allegri concluded the interview by expressing his hopes for the team’s future performance, stating, “I don’t know if this team becomes weak; we have an objective, and I hope to bring the team into the top four. We can play with three, four, or five forwards; maybe I’m wrong, or maybe I’m doing well. But today, I liked the team. Criticisms for Vlahovic? Unfortunately, he made a mistake; the club will fine him. I haven’t spoken to him.”
