Andrea Barzagli admits that Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Juventus have done very well with a back three, but says there’s no issue if Max Allegri switches to a four-man defence.
The club have been working to both formations this summer, with it widely seen that over time their new Coach will implement a switch back to four defenders.
Andrea Barzagli admits that Juventus have done very well with a back three, but says there’s no issue if Max Allegri switches to a four-man defence.
The club have been working to both formations this summer, with it widely seen that over time their new Coach will implement a switch back to four defenders.
For one of the side’s regulars over the past three years, in which predominantly play has been in a 3-5-2 formation, such a change is not an upheaval.
“I start from the premise – every player on our team, every defender, began their career in a back four and had always played in a back four,” Barzagli has explained in a question and answer session with JTV.
“In the last two-three years we moved to a back three and certainly there were significant results, we enjoyed it, it definitely enhances our characteristics very well.
“But I always value a defence that is made from defensive organisations, and then, beyond the three, beyond the four, it is a little the responsibility of the whole team to defend.
“Then there are individual duels and there are individual mistakes that you can come across in both a three man and four man defence.
“Certainly the back three has made the most of our characteristics, but we all developed with a back four and there are no problems in introducing it.”
The defender also reflected on Max Allegri’s first impressions at Juve, since coming in as Antonio Conte’s replacement this summer.
“I rate him very highly, we have started on the right foot, as we have seen from last Saturday. It remains the same Juve, there is a great desire to win again, to prove ourselves and it is the one thing that matters most.
“We have a new Coach, who definitely brings new ideas and we can only do well. It is important that as players the desire and hunger to win something again remains.”
Barzagli is currently recovering from a foot injury that required surgery in July and reflected on an anticipated return shortly.
“I hope soon. Honestly, things are going well, we are shortening by a little the time that was originally expected. I have begun to do things with the rest of the team, so I am confident.
“It still can’t be said that I am ready, but, shortly, I think I’m almost there.
“Not an easy recovery? It was an operation done to the heel bone, so it is not to be underestimated. Consequently, the recovery time has been a little longer.
“Though things are gong well, we are monitoring it day to day, the important thing being that the response is always everything is fine.
“Is there the desire to return to playing? There is a lot, especially because I have suffered greatly watching from the outside my teammates and the team play, and I hope to return as soon as possible to the group.”