Max Allegri expressed his frustration during an interview with Sky Sport Italia following Juventus’ goalless draw against Genoa. Allegri, asserting his role as a coach, emphasized his focus on his duties rather than public opinion or instructing journalists on their professional responsibilities.
The Bianconeri had undertaken a training retreat in preparation for the match, aiming to address the issues evident in previous performances. However, despite efforts, there was no discernible improvement. Notably, despite near misses by Samuel Iling-Junior and Moise Kean hitting the woodwork, Juventus concluded the encounter with Genoa in a stalemate. Complicating matters, Juventus played with ten men for a significant portion of the match after Dusan Vlahovic received two successive yellow cards for dissent.
“There was a little tension in the first half due to the importance of the match, the need to win, so we were a bit blocked. It was a better second half, we had several good opportunities, did not allow Genoa any shots on goal, so we must take the positives from this performance,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is a difficult moment, but the attitude as a team was better than recent games.”
Juve have won only one of their last eight Serie A games, picking up a total seven points.
“It must not create tension, only a sense of responsibility, because we need to earn this place in the Champions League and if I’m not wrong we need 11 points from nine games to lock that down. We must keep believing in what we are doing.”
In light of current circumstances, Juventus faces the potential of falling even further behind Milan in second place, while simultaneously affording Bologna the opportunity to narrow the gap to a mere five points.
During the initial half of the match, Allegri’s vocal discontent was palpable, particularly directed towards Federico Chiesa and Filip Kostic. Their subsequent substitutions were met with audible dissatisfaction from the spectators. One might speculate whether Allegri is disinclined to explore the prospect of deploying Kenan Yildiz alongside Chiesa and Vlahovic within a more aggressive tactical formation.
“I ask for them, like the others, to have a good performance. Kean is better at playing between the lines, but at that moment Chiesa and Kostic were a little tired, so we needed those characteristics.
“Anything is possible, but the problem is that we need to get results. We have an objective to be achieved, to get back into the Champions League, and we need to get it. We are struggling at this moment and must avoid creating further confusion.”
When questioned further regarding his steadfast adherence to the 3-5-2 system and his utilization of Chiesa, traditionally a winger, in the role of a makeshift striker, Allegri displayed visible agitation.
“We are third in the table. Do you know how to be a coach? I don’t know how to be a journalist. I do not follow what the public says, I do what is right for the team. I do not dare tell a journalist how to do his job. So don’t tell me how to do mine.
“How did we get 46 points in the first 19 rounds? It’s the same answer. If you ask me a more intelligent question, then I will give a more intelligent answer. Seeing as I am a coach who works for Juventus, I have a target to achieve. I am disappointed the results aren’t coming at the moment, everyone makes mistakes, but I make choices for the good of the team. I have never followed the public mood.
“Your job is to ask me questions, then there are those who understand and those who don’t. I don’t know if this team becomes weak with more strikers. I only know my role is to take it into the top four and we are on track for that.
“Maybe I’m wrong not to use three strikers, maybe I’m right. I am pleased with what the lads did today and it’s a good launching off point for the next nine matches.”
Meanwhile, Vlahovic – who just returned from suspension – will be banned at least for the next match with Lazio, who are already missing injured Arkadiusz Milik.
“Unfortunately, he made a mistake and will be fined. I didn’t say anything to him.”