Max Allegri emphasized that the 2-2 draw against Atalanta is a significant outcome for Juventus and criticized certain fans in the audience for their lack of support, stating that it does not contribute positively to the team’s performance. He reiterated the importance of keeping the team’s objectives in mind.
The Bianconeri initially conceded a goal from a free kick routine but quickly responded with two goals in four minutes, scored by Andrea Cambiaso and Arkadiusz Milik. However, Teun Koopmeiners’ second goal resulted in a 2-2 draw, leaving Juventus with only one victory in their last seven Serie A matches.
Furthermore, this draw has caused Juventus to fall behind Milan into third place in the standings, with a considerable 17-point gap behind league leaders Inter.
“I think we had a good performance against a good Atalanta team, they did well with that free kick and the second goal, whereas we could’ve defended better,” Allegri told DAZN.
“We had more determination, grit and technique too in the second half. We need to improve our defending when we are in the lead, because the same thing happened against Napoli last week and before that too. We are conceding goals too easily.
“It involves working on the situations, but there are also moments in a campaign and we need to focus on the positives. Let us not forget today we earned a point over Bologna, kept Atalanta 11 points behind us. Let us not forget the objective is to finish in the top four.
“The lads did very well in an atmosphere where part of the stadium did not help us, especially in the first half. There are areas where we can do better, but the effort and desire was never lacking from this team.”
Juventus had maintained contention in the Scudetto race until recent weeks, yet their fortunes have taken a downturn following their defeat to Inter, resulting in Milan now surpassing them in the standings. Despite this setback, Allegri remains resolute, expressing minimal apprehension regarding the team’s recent performance outcomes.
“No, because it’s all about perceptions. If we had lost two games earlier in the season, then beat Atalanta and drew with Napoli, you would perceive the 58 points differently.
“We must not lose sight of the objective, which is to qualify for the marvellous competition that is the Champions League.”
Federico Chiesa’s tactical role in the traditional Allegri 3-5-2 has been the cause of some controversy, but is it starting to evolve?
“We tried to build out from the back with four this evening to create spaces in front. We could’ve used some of those situations better, for example using Milik’s height to go long. McKennie is very effective and pushing forward, and against a side like Atalanta who do a lot of man-marking, that is important.
“We were coming off a difficult period, it might not seem like it, but this is a very important result for us.”
A banner was prominently displayed amidst the crowd, celebrating the achievement of ‘Immense Allegri’ upon reaching the milestone of 1,000 Serie A points. This demonstration suggests that a faction of the fans voiced support for him, while an opposing contingent expressed dissent through jeers.
“It is pleasing because it means they recognised my work, but those fans helped the lads during a difficult moment of the match,” replied the coach.
“We all have an objective and the fans must recognise too that they want to see us in the Champions League. The team might be criticised, so can the coach, but nobody can reproach us for our efforts.
“We try to win every game, it’s not always possible, and qualifying for the Champions League is the objective. It doesn’t matter if we seal it with the last minute of the last game, the important thing is that we get it.
“These lads meanwhile are maturing and building up a thick skin, which you need at Juventus.”